NA-77 by-election: Tarar summoned over electoral code violation

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has summoned Information Minister Atta Tarar over alleged violation of the electoral code of conduct related to the National Assembly’s seat NA-77 Gujranwala, where by-election is scheduled today (Sunday).

In a statement on Saturday, the electoral body cited media reports suggesting that the information minister landed in the said constituency “on helicopter,” and that he participated in a gathering there.

The ECP has sought a report from the electoral officials concerned assigned to the by-election, and has summoned Tarar in personal capacity.

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The result of the by-election can be withheld till the matter is decided, the ECP said.

However, the ECP statement did not mention any date on which the information minister is required to appear before the Commission.

The ECP’s electoral code of conduct bars the government functionaries from visiting any electoral constituency where an election is scheduled, and related programme is announced by the electoral body.

On September 18, 2026, the ECP announced the by-election in NA-77 Gujranwala constituency on November 8 (today). This seat fell vacant following the death of Mahmood Bashir Virk, who belonged to Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), on September 11.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026