The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday halted the victory notification of Bilal Choudhary, brother of Minister of State Talal Choudhary, over allegations of violating the election code of conduct during the recent by-election in Dera Ghazi Khan.
A four-member bench headed by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) heard the case and was informed by ECP officials that Talal Choudhary had “clearly violated” the code by participating in the election campaign. Officials argued that a minister of state is not permitted to take part in campaign activities and urged strict action.
The CEC clarified during the hearing that Bilal Choudhary had not been disqualified, adding that the Commission had merely withheld the notification of his election victory until the matter is settled. He also observed that Minister Talal Choudhary not only violated the rules but did not appear before the Commission despite being summoned.
Talal Choudhary’s counsel later informed the bench that his client would appear before the ECP, after which the Commission granted him an exemption from personal attendance in the next hearing.
The bench also took up a separate case regarding code violation by Adviser Huzaifa Rahman during the DG Khan by-poll campaign. Addressing him directly, the CEC asked whether he intended to retain his advisory position amid allegations of breaching electoral guidelines.
Huzaifa Rahman told the Commission that he respected the law and offered an unconditional apology if any violation had occurred, stating that he participated not in a political corner meeting but in a “musical night” where he delivered a speech.
The CEC directed ECP staff to provide all relevant case documents to Rahman and instructed him to submit a formal written reply. The hearing was later adjourned.
