Punjab govt trying to influence NA-122 poll, PTI writes to ECP

LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has written a letter to the Election Commission of Pakistan accusing the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) led Punjab government of trying to influence the upcoming by-election in Lahore's NA-122 constituency.

In the letter, written by PTI senior leader Dr Shireen Mazari and addressed to Secretary ECP Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad, the PTI accuses the PML-N of trying to influence the by-election by "the sudden release of advertisement" by the Punjab government.

"The flooding of the electronic media by these Punjab government ads is clearly a crude attempt to influence this election," writes Dr Mazari in the letter.

"This is in complete violation of the ECP Code of Conduct and therefore requires immediate action by the ECP. Not only must the ads be discontinued immediately but also those responsible must be held accountable."

The PML-N and the PTI are headed for a close contest in the NA-122 by-poll, scheduled to be held on Sunday, October 11. Former Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in contesting the election for the ruling party, with PTI candidate Aleem Khan expected to give him a tough contest.