ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) summoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan to appear before it on August 2 for indictment in a contempt case.
The ECP had initiated contempt proceedings against Imran Khan, along with PTI’s former secretary general Asad Umar and former senior vice-president Fawad Chaudhry, last year. The allegations were related to their use of foul language against the chief election commissioner.
The PTI leaders had challenged the ECP’s authority to initiate contempt proceedings under Section 10 of the Election Act 2017 in various high courts. However, the Supreme Court had earlier this year upheld the validity of the ECP’s proceedings.
Despite repeated summons, Imran Khan and ex-party leader Fawad Chaudhry failed to appear before the commission, resulting in the issuance of arrest warrants. As for Asad Umar, the commission accepted his plea to be exempted from the last hearing.
Yesterday, the ECP issued a written order for the July 25 hearing. Setting the date of August 2 for the charges to be framed against the former prime minister. Khan was accuses of using “intemperate” language against the electoral body and the chief election commissioner (CEC).
On July 24, the election commission had ordered the arrest of Imran Khan, but he appeared before the commission the next day, leading to the suspension of his arrest warrants.
During the proceedings, Imran Khan’s lawyer requested time to obtain the case record and prepare the defense, which was granted. The lawyer obtained the necessary documents from the law wing.
It’s worth noting that Imran Khan, Asad Umar, and Fawad Chaudhry, who is the former aide of the PTI chairman, raised the matter in various high courts, arguing that Section 10 of the Elections Act 2017 was “unconstitutional.” This section grants the election commission the power to exercise the same authority as the high court to punish individuals for contempt of court, in accordance with the Contempt of Court Ordinance, 2003 (V of 2003), or any other law related to contempt of court.
