PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to initiate a formal inquiry into the NA-18 Haripur by-election amid allegations of irregularities, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan said on Sunday.
He stated that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has authorised the party to proceed further in the conduct of a “comprehensive investigation”. “Any official found involved will face strict disciplinary action,” he said, adding that while the provincial government was confident that its officers were not part of any wrongdoing, the inquiry is necessary to ensure “complete transparency”.
He said a reference regarding alleged rigging was also being sent to the Election Commission of Pakistan, and statements and affidavits of presiding officers were being recorded.
Responding to matters regarding a planned meeting with PTI founding chairman Imran Khan, the SACM said that on Tuesday all PTI MNAs and MPAs would first appear before the High Court and would then proceed to Adiala Jail along with members of Imran Khan’s family.
“If Imran Khan’s sisters are not allowed to meet him, a sit-in and protest will be held outside Adiala Jail,” he warned.
He criticised the PML-N leadership, saying the party had “forgotten its own past”, recalling that its party workers met their “convicted leader” in London and sought guidance from him during his stay abroad. “Today they are fearful of Imran Khan’s statements and even his photographs,” he said, adding that Imran Khan remained the most popular political leader in the country and attempts were being made to “block his voice”.
Shafi Jan expressed concern over the former prime minister’s well-being, claiming that he had not been allowed to meet his family since November 4. “There are no details about his health,” he said.
The SACM said the chief minister had declared emergencies in the education and health sectors and decided that the provincial cabinet would meet every Friday. “Good governance is among the top priorities of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi,” he stated.
He said the people had elected PTI representatives on the promise of Imran Khan’s release, and the primary question among the public remained: “When will Imran Khan be released?”
Commenting on financial matters, Shafi Jan said the province had not received funds due for the seven merged districts, and for the strengthening of the police force. He said that an outstanding amount of Rs3 trillion under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, net hydel profit, oil and gas reserves, and other heads remained unpaid. He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would “present its case vigorously” at the NFC meeting scheduled for December 4.
