ECP writes to Punjab govt to halt NA-120 rallies violating code of conduct

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GEO NEWS
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Maryam Nawaz of PML-N (left) and Dr Yasmin Rashid of PTI. Photo: Telegraph/Twitter

LAHORE: The returning officer of the NA-120 constituency has written a letter to the Punjab chief secretary and inspector general saying that several political parties are holding rallies in the constituency today.

The letter states that the parties should be stopped from holding gatherings and be made to ensure adherence to the ECP code of conduct. 

Meanwhile, the political temperature in Lahore is at an all-time high as Sunday's by-election draws near. 

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan is expected to lead a rally from Charing Cross to Data Darbar today. Sources said the rally will begin around 4pm, and be joined by the party's women workers at Regal Chowk and the lawyers' wing at GPO Chowk. 

Similarly, the Pakistan Peoples Party will hold a public gathering in the city's Mazang locality today. It will be addressed by senior party leader Qamar Zaman Kaira, as well as other local leaders. 

On Wednesday, Maryam Nawaz, who is spearheading the campaign for her mother and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz candidate Kulsoom Nawaz, made several visits in the constituency to garner support. 

In a meeting with JUP President Pir Ijaz Hashmi on Wednesday, who has announced to support the PML-N in the by-poll, Maryam challenged the party’s opponents to come and face her in the field. She said accusations of using state machinery for fear of losing are old.

She also met a delegation of the Shia community on Sandha Road. She also visited Jamia Naeemia and addressed the party’s polling agents.

Meanwhile, PTI candidate Dr Yasmin Rashid said on Wednesday the 'Tabdeeli Express' has left the station, and it cannot be stopped now. 

After inaugurating an election office in Chauburji, she said that on September 17 the people will vote for PTI to ensure a bright future for their children. 

Last day of campaigning on Friday

The Election Commission of Pakistan has restricted public meetings and political campaigning from Friday midnight (night between September 15 and 16) as per the law. 

Any person who contravenes the law would be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term, which might extend to six months, and a fine, which might extend to Rs1,000, or with both.