F.P. Report
ISLAMABAD: Announcing that PTI Chairman Imran Khan, PTI leader Asad Umar and ex-PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry would be indicted in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) contempt case on July 11, 2023, the ECP on Tuesday directed all three to appear on that date in person.
On May 23, 2023, the ECP had summoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan along with party leader Asad Umar and ex-party leader Fawad Chaudhry to appear in person on June 5 in connection with the contempt of ECP case.
The order was issued by a three-member commission, headed by Nisar Durrani.
The lawyers for Imran Khan, Fawad Chaudhry and Asad Umar appeared before the Election Commission and requested a delay, citing more time needed to prepare the case.
The ECP warned that it would issue non-bailable arrest warrants for the PTI leaders if they failed to appear in person on the next hearing.
The ECP rejected the PTI reservations as Faisal Chaudhry pleaded before the Commission that he appeared on behalf of Fawad Chaudhary and Asad Umar and PTI supremo Imran Khan.
ECP member Nisar Durrani said the respondents should appear in person as the Commission would frame charges against the respondents now.
The case hearing has been adjourned July 11.
Last year, the ECP had initiated contempt proceedings against the PTI leaders for allegedly using inappropriate language against the chief election commissioner.
The PTI leader had skipped several of ECP hearings and later challenged its powers to initiate contempt proceedings under Section 10 of the Election Act 2017 in different courts.
Earlier this year, the ECP had filed a petition in the Supreme Court and sought consolidation of all six petitions before a high court.
The Supreme Court had then allowed ECP to continue proceedings under Section 10 against the PTI leaders, but it barred the electoral body from giving final orders.
IHC orders ECP to rehear PTI’s objections
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Tuesday annulled the decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to reject the objections of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to the show cause notice in the prohibited funding case and ordered the ECP to rehear the PTI’s objections, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The IHC also directed the ECP to fulfil all the requirements of a fair trial while listening to the PTI.
Justice Babar Sattar issued orders while accepting the PTI’s plea against the decision of the ECP.
