Commerce Minister Mohammad Pervaiz Malik has requested the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to withdraw the notification issued on August 1. The ECP can issue guidelines but cannot bar political activities, said the minister. Malik said the restrictions placed by the ECP are against the Constitution and against human rights. He added that restriction by the ECP is based on assumptions.
The ECP had earlier issued a notice to Malik for violation of rules and regulations in the NA-120 by-poll. Acting on the request of Pakistan Peoples' Party candidate in the constituency, Faisal Mir, Malik has been sent a notice for running the electoral campaign of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz candidate Begum Kulsoom Nawaz. The by-elections are scheduled for September 18.