LAHORE: `If the Election Commission [of Pakistan] loses it credibility in the coming by-elections, the next general election will stand compromised in advance, warns vice-chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Addressing a press conference here, he said the ECP was constitutionally bound to hold `fair, free and credible elections, which ithas failed to do so far.` Apart from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, all other parties have cast aspersions on the recent by-elections in Karachi, he added.

`Since Hamza Shehbaz`s stay as chief minister depends on the coming by-polls, the PTI fears that the PML-N can go to any extent to rig them. The party also knows that Hamza would not win but would be given these seats. The PTI has got information that more than 14 district police officers (DPOs) and deputy commissioners (DCs) have already received warnings from the Punjab government that their future posting depends on their performance during these by-elections. It is rumoured that the PML-N would win 18 out of 20 seatsbeing contested. The situation would test credibility of the Election Commission,` Mr Qureshi said.

He alleged the district administration was acting as a f acilitator of the PML-N and pressing candidates to change loyalties.

The PTI vice chairman says huge development work is being carried out in the constituencies where by-polls are being held on July 17.

`We have shared videos of the [development] work with the ECP and now waiting for a response,` he added.

He lamented that the administration appeared scared when he tried to contact senior of ficers af ter office of a PTI candidate was alleg-edly attacked and his nephew shot at.

`We do not accept these fixed elections; these will have dangerous consequences for the country.

The election commission must act, Mr Qureshi said.

Giving credit for Pakistan`s possible exit f rom the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to the PTI, he said the party`s government introduced 35 amendments and Hammad Azhar fought the case well.

Meanwhile, the Chief Election Commissioner, taking notice of Mr Qureshi`s allegations, has sought a report from the provincial election commissioner, directing him to ensure implementation of code of conduct and punish those violating it.