ECP bars Imran Khan from Peshawar visit  

Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Wednesday barred Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan from visiting Peshawar, owing to upcoming local body elections.

According to details, the Prime Minister Imran Khan has been directed not to visit Peshawar as local body elections are going to be held in Peshawar on December 19.

The Regional Election Commissioner Peshawar wrote a letter to Prime Minister regarding his visit ahead of the Local government elections, asking him not to visit Peshawar as it would be violation of the election code of conduct.

The electoral body, in this regard, issued an official reminder notification to the premier stating that violation of the code of conduct can be prosecuted. 

According to ECP code of conduct, no member of parliament can visit a constituency where polls are scheduled, after the dates for the election have been notified.  

Hence, ECP forbids parliamentarians and public office holders from participating in the election campaign in any manner after the announcement of the schedule.

The Election Commission can take action under sections 233 and 234 of the Election Act. 

It is pertinent to mention here that Khan was scheduled to visit Peshawar to launch Pakistan Card Initiative today. 

He had to meet the Chief Minister and Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and also hold meetings with the political leadership in Peshawar.