ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) brought charges against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry for contempt against the electoral body and its chief election commissioner.
In Adiala jail, where both leaders are detained, a four-member bench of the electoral body, led by Sindh Member Nisar Ahmad Durrani, presided over the case’s hearing.
Imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry were present in the courtroom during the session and refuted the allegations outlined in the charge sheet.
The ECP postponed the contempt case hearing until January 16.
The electoral body had initiated contempt proceedings against the former PTI chairman, former party leader Asad Umar, and Fawad for disrespecting the commission and its chief in public meetings, press conferences, and various interviews.
The notice stated that these politicians were accused of making disrespectful and improper remarks against the ECP on multiple occasions.
The political figures were given the option to either personally appear before the commission bench or be represented by their counsel to clarify their stance.
Instead of appearing before the bench, they contested the commission’s jurisdiction in multiple high courts. However, in January 2023, the Supreme Court permitted the commission to pursue proceedings against them. Subsequently, on June 21, the ECP decided to frame charges against them, which was pending.
During the previous hearing on December 27, the electoral watchdog couldn’t charge the PTI founder and ex-information minister.
The hearing and the formal accusation of the two individuals were postponed until January 3 (today).
PTI leader Asghar Chaudhry, while addressing media outside Adiala jail, remarked that such an Election Commission had not been witnessed even during the martial law era.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
