ECP Halts Victory Notification of NA-96 Winner Bilal Chaudhry Amid Code Violation Case
The hearing has been adjourned, and the case will resume on December 2.
Islamabad — The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has stopped the formal notification of PML-N candidate Bilal Chaudhry, who won the NA-96 Faisalabad by-election, due to an ongoing case involving alleged violations of the election code of conduct.
Bilal Chaudhry submitted an application to the ECP requesting an early resolution of the case, stating that he could not appear in person because of post-election engagements. His lawyer asked the commission to grant him a one-day exemption. Bilal also offered an unconditional apology for his absence and urged the ECP to proceed with the case swiftly “for the sake of justice.”
The case revolves around alleged violations committed by his brother, Talal Chaudhry, Minister of State for Interior, during the election campaign. The ECP’s legal team revealed that three complaints were filed against Talal for repeatedly breaching the election code. On November 20, the commission imposed a fine of Rs50,000 on him.
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Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja presided over the hearing, where Talal’s legal representative appeared on his behalf and was granted a one-day exemption. However, the ECP clarified that Bilal’s win would not be officially notified until the matter is fully examined.
“The commission is not disqualifying Bilal Chaudhry at this stage,” the CEC emphasized. “We are only stopping the notification.”
The hearing has been adjourned, and the case will resume on December 2.
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