The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has requested that the federal government deploy the Pakistan Army and civil armed forces for the NA-18 Haripur by-election, citing security threats arising from the conduct of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.

In a letter to the defence and interior secretaries, the commission requested “foolproof security” for polling day on November 23, warning that the chief minister’s recent speech in Havelian had created “fear and intimidation” among election officials.

The ECP said the CM’s aggressive language could impede the work of government officers and noted that the presence of a fugitive on stage during his rally was a “serious concern.”

The commission urged the federal government to take immediate action, saying the safety of election staff and voters was at risk.

It asked the Army and civil armed forces to help maintain order and ensure peaceful polling across the constituency.

Chaired by the Chief Election Commissioner, the ECP reviewed Afridi’s statements and concluded that his “irresponsible behaviour” had jeopardised the conduct of a peaceful by-poll. It added that district administration, police personnel, and polling staff had also been placed in danger.

The ECP has issued notices to CM Afridi and candidate Sheharnaz Umar Ayub, summoning both on Friday. It has also directed the KP chief secretary and inspector general of police to implement strict security measures in the constituency.

The commission said elections in NA-18 had been pushed into jeopardy and called for immediate deployment of federal security agencies to stabilise the situation and safeguard the electoral process.

## CM Afridi’s speech

Earlier, CM Afridi, while addressing a rally in Havelian, used harsh language against government officials and police deployed on by-election duty.

He warned the administration that if “any unpleasant incident” occurred on polling day, they would “not remain in their positions by nightfall.”

In his speech, CM Afridi also claimed that PTI-backed candidate Omar Ayub’s wife would win the by-election by “securing 200,000 votes.”

Meanwhile, the KP chief minister’s spokesperson said CM Afridi’s remarks were being taken out of context.

The spokesperson insisted the chief minister had not issued threats but had spoken about upholding the law.

He termed the criticism “political point-scoring” and said the government remained committed to ensuring a transparent and impartial by-election.