ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday ordered Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan to appear on August 2 to indict him and others in a contempt of court case. Issued a summons.
Last year, the apex electoral body had initiated contempt of court proceedings against PTI chief, former party secretary general Asad Umar and former senior vice president Fawad Chaudhry for allegedly using abusive language against the chief election commissioner.
PTI leaders have challenged the ECP’s powers to initiate contempt of court proceedings under Section 10 of the Election Act, 2017 in various high courts.
However, the Supreme Court gave the green light to the ECP’s action earlier this year.
During the proceedings, when the trio failed to appear before the commission despite repeated summons, it issued arrest warrants for Khan and former party leader Chaudhary. However, he accepted Omar’s request for immunity from the final hearing.
Yesterday, the ECP issued a written order for the July 25 hearing and said that the former prime minister will be charged on August 2.
It ordered Khan to ensure his presence at the next hearing to press charges, for using “indecent” language towards the electoral body and the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
On July 24, the Election Commission ordered the arrest of the former prime minister — who has been embroiled in several cases since his dismissal last April. However, he appeared before the body the next day, resulting in the suspension of his arrest warrant.
The short order said that Khan’s counsel requested that he did not have the records of the case, the counsel requested to obtain the records and prepare the case, this request was granted and the counsel obtained the documents from the law wing.
It may be noted that Khan, Asad and Fawad, former aides to the PTI chairman, raised the issue in different High Courts saying that Section 10 of the Election Act 2017 is “unconstitutional”.
Section 10 of the Election Act states that “The Election Commission shall exercise powers equivalent to that of the High Court to punish any person for contempt of court and the Contempt of Court Ordinance, 2003 (V of 2003), or any other law relating to contempt.” may. The effect of the Court shall be accordingly[…]”.
