The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has requested the deployment of the Pakistan Army and civil armed forces for the NA-18 by-elections, citing alleged threats and “provocative language” used by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi against public officials.

In separate letters addressed to the secretaries of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Interior, the ECP highlighted CM Afridi’s recent speech at a public rally in Havelian. The electoral body claimed that Afridi “clearly threatened” district administration, police, and ECP officials involved in preparations for the by-polls scheduled for November 23.

The letters state, “Regrettably, he [CM Afridi] used offensive language, which amounts to harassing and unduly influencing officials, potentially preventing them from performing their duties effectively.”

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The ECP’s concerns relate to Afridi’s remarks at Chamba near Havelian, where he addressed the upcoming by-election. PTI has fielded Shehrnaz Khan, wife of former National Assembly opposition leader Omar Ayub, as its candidate for NA-18.

During his speech, CM Afridi reportedly issued a stern warning to local political actors in Haripur, alleging that some individuals had “changed their votes” ahead of the November 23 by-election. He urged voters to support PTI while cautioning the local administration and law-enforcement agencies against any attempts to influence the election outcome.

“If the people’s mandate is tampered with, the consequences will not be good. Any attempt at rigging will create a serious situation,” Afridi said, stressing that justice was being denied and democratic norms were under threat.

He further warned, “The situation now leaves only one option — and we will definitely adopt it,” without specifying what the option would entail.