Contempt Case
ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), along with former party leaders Asad Umar and Fawad Chaudhry, did not face indictment today in the contempt case brought by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding their alleged disrespect towards the election commission and chief election commissioner.
Notices for indictment proceedings had been issued by the ECP, and summon notices were sent to the three individuals to appear in person. However, during the hearing conducted by a four-member bench led by ECP member Nisar Durrani, none of the suspects or Imran Khan’s lawyer were present.
Imran Khan’s lawyer requested an adjournment, and a written report explaining Khan’s absence was submitted by Interior Secretary Aftab Durrani. The ECP member suggested holding the hearing in jail if there were security concerns, to which the interior secretary agreed, stating that the ministry allowed court hearings in prisons.
Emphasizing the constitutional status of the election commission, the member stated that only the Constitution and the Elections Act applied to the commission. The question of whether the law permitted hearings in jails was raised, and the interior secretary sought time to consult the ministry.
It was revealed that Fawad Chaudhry was also in Adiala Jail, and the ECP announced it would issue an order on this matter. No representative appeared for Asad Umar, and his lawyer sought an adjournment.
PTI lawyer Shoaib Shaheen informed the commission that he was allowed to meet Imran Khan only once in jail, requesting the ECP to issue an order for a meeting with his client. The suggestion of the commission going to the jail for a hearing was made, ensuring the lawyer would have all necessary facilities.
Shoaib Shaheen raised concerns about PTI not being allowed to hold rallies and requested a level playing field. The ECP then adjourned the hearing of the case until December 6.
