Indictment for PTI chief, Asad Umar, Fawad Chaudhry in ECP contempt case delayed

Due to the accused’s non-appearance, the electoral commission panel postponed the contempt case against Imran Khan, the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and two former federal ministers, Asad Umar and Fawad Chaudhry, on Monday.

The case was taken up by a four-person commission headed by Nisar Durrani, a member of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) from Sindh. Charges of insulting the election board and its chief commissioner were to be brought against the accused today.

Fawad and the PTI chairman are both in jail at the moment for unrelated offenses.

Durrani said at the hearing that the hearing might take place in a prison if there are ongoing security issues.

The interior secretary responded by saying that the tribunal could if it so desired. “We don’t object to this,” the secretary insisted.

Then one of the panel members inquired as to whether this would be legal. The interior secretary retorted that further consultation with the law ministry would be necessary.

The court was informed by Fawad’s attorney that his client is being held in Adiala Jail on judicial remand.

A member of the commission observed that the ECP is an independent constitutional body with its own rules. No other law apart from the Constitution and the Election Act is applicable on it, said the member.

The tribunal adjourned the hearing till December 6.

The ECP had initiated contempt proceedings against Imran, Asad, and Fawad for issuing statements against the electoral body and the chief election commissioner.

The Punjab Police had earlier, on behalf of the interior ministry apprised the tribunal that Imran could not be produced before the commission due to threats to his life.

Asad and Fawad have both apologized to the chief election commissioner and the ECP.

Separately, both Asad and Fawad have renounced their membership of the party.