ISLAMABAD: IHC suspends ECP’s arrest warrants against Fawad Chaudhry in contempt case and directs him to appear before electoral watchdog on July 20
On Tuesday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) suspended the non-bailable arrest warrants issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan against former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry in a contempt case against the commission.
Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri presided over the plea hearing of the former PTI stalwart, with his council Faisal Chaudhry appearing before the court.
During the proceedings, Faisal Chaudhry informed the court that the defamation proceedings against Fawad were already underway in the Election Commission.
The court highlighted that the Chief Justice had ruled to continue the contempt proceedings. The Chief Justice also restrained the commission from making a final decision. Justice Tariq commented that regardless of the individual involved, they had issued notices. Additionally, they had suspended Fawad Chaudhry‘s arrest warrant.
The court urged him to personally appear before the commission. Further the court warned him of potential contempt of court proceedings if he failed to comply.
The court expressed curiosity about Fawad’s absence and questioned why he had not personally appeared before the commission. The court emphasized that this action violated the High Court’s order.
Lawyer Faisal Chaudhry responded, stating that they had already appeared before the Islamabad High Court on the same day.
Justice Tariq Jahangiri raised a question, asking, “Which Election Commission is in Karachi? You should have gone there from the High Court. You have violated the High Court’s order by not appearing before the Commission.”
Nevertheless, Faisal Chaudhry assured the court that they were prepared to appear before the commission as necessary.
