ANP alleges state machinery supporting PTIP

NOWSHERA: Awami National Party (ANP) secretary-general Mian Iftikhar Hussain on Monday raised concerns about inaction by the interim government and the Election Commission of Pakistan in response to administrative irregularities before the elections.

Speaking to journalists at the Nowshera Press Club, he alleged that the deputy commissioner to the entire district administration, including officers from various departments, were supporting Pakistan Tehreek-s-Insaf-Parliamentarians (PTIP) Chairman Pervez Khattak and his family members in their election campaign.

The ANP leader warned that if no action was taken within a week, all political parties would unite and take to the streets. He said that District Education Officer Shah Jehan, currently under investigation, should be immediately removed from his position.

“There is no need for officers in this district who may influence elections under political pressure,” he added.

He said the situation in the entire district was not visible to the Election Commission and the caretaker government.

Pervez Khattak should not use district government officials in elections and avoid jeopardising the democratic process, said the ANP leader.

Mian Iftikhar Hussain questioned why the Election Commission and the caretaker government were not taking action against conduct violations.