ECP Serves Notice on Information Minister Attaullah Tarar Over Campaigning in NA-77 Gujranwala By-Poll
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a notice to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar for allegedly breaking election rules during campaigning for the by-election in NA-77 Gujranwala, just one day before voters go to the polls.
According to a press release from the office of the Punjab Provincial Election Commissioner, the district monitoring officer issued the notice after Tarar took part in the election campaign of PML-N candidate Rashid Basheer Virk. Media reports cited by the ECP said the minister visited the constituency by helicopter and addressed a campaign gathering for the candidate.
The ECP said the participation of federal ministers in election campaigns violates paragraphs 18 and 41 of its code of conduct, which bars public office holders from taking part in campaign activities. The notice also cited Section 182 of the Elections Act 2017, which covers participation in election campaigns during the prohibited period.
The commission has asked the district monitoring officer and the district returning officer for reports on the matter. Tarar must appear before the district monitoring officer in person at 11am on November 8 to explain his position. The ECP warned that the result of the constituency could be withheld until a final decision is reached.
The ECP also issued a notice to the PML-N candidate for inviting the minister to campaign in the constituency. The candidate must also appear before the district monitoring officer at 11am on November 8 and submit an explanation.
Tarar faced a similar notice in 2022, when he was Punjab’s home minister, for attending election campaigns in Jhang during by-elections.
Why it matters
The notice lands on the eve of polling in NA-77 (Gujranwala-I), a seat the PML-N is defending. The ECP’s warning that the result could be withheld raises the stakes — and shows the watchdog can act against even senior ministers during a campaign.
What happens next
Voting in NA-77 Gujranwala-I and Punjab Assembly constituency PP-203 (Sahiwal-VI) is scheduled for November 8. Both seats fell vacant after the deaths of their PML-N lawmakers. NA-77 became vacant after the death of five-time MNA Chaudhry Mehmood Bashir Virk on September 11, following a prolonged illness. Tarar and the PML-N candidate are due to appear before the district monitoring officer at 11am on polling day.
Sources
- The Express Tribune, “ECP issues notice to Attaullah Tarar for alleged code of conduct violation ahead of NA-77 by-poll”, 7 November 2026: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2639151/ecp-issues-notice-to-attaullah-tarar-for-alleged-code-of-conduct-violation-ahead-of-na-77-by-poll
- Dawn, “ECP takes notice of alleged code violation by Attaullah Tarar in NA-77 by-poll”, 7 November 2026: https://www.dawn.com/news/2042842/ecp-takes-notice-of-alleged-code-violation-by-attaullah-tarar-in-na-77-by-poll
- Daily Qudrat, 7 November 2026: https://en.dailyqudrat.pk/111228/
This article is for general information and education only. It is not legal or financial advice.
