ECP Summons JUI-F Chief for Intra-Party Polls Irregularities

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has summoned JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for failing to conduct intra-party polls and submit the necessary certificate. Additionally, ECP has called leaders from various political parties regarding the allocation of party tickets to women. Meetings are set for September 4.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has summoned Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to appear before a four-member bench. The summons, reported by ARY News, is due to JUI-F's failure to hold intra-party elections and submit required documentation.

This action echoes previous measures taken against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for similar infractions, leading to the withdrawal of their election symbol before the February 8 general elections. ECP's bench, chaired by Nisar Durrani, is set to hear the case on Thursday. JUI-F's non-compliance with electoral rules has raised questions about its legitimacy and the potential fallout.

In a related move, ECP has summoned Jamat-e-Islami (JI) Amir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, Awami National Party (ANP) Head Asfandyar Wali Khan, and other party leaders regarding the allocation of party tickets to women. Notices were issued to 14 political parties, including JI, ANP, Balochistan National Party (BNP), and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), for failing to meet the 5% women ticket allocation mandate under Section 206 of the Election Act, with hearings scheduled for September 4.

(With inputs from agencies.)