ISLAMABAD: In a major development, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday issued non-bailable warrants against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and former party leader Fawad Chaudhry in a case of contempt against the top polling body.
The former prime minister and his former close associates did not appear before the ECP despite being summoned in a personal capacity.
Last year, the apex electoral body initiated contempt of court proceedings against PTI leaders, including the chief, former secretary general Asad Umar and Fawad, then senior deputy, for allegedly using abusive language against the chief election commissioner. The president had started contempt of court proceedings against him. He has sent several notices to him, asking him to appear in person and explain his point of view.
However, PTI leaders did not appear before the ECP and later challenged its powers to initiate contempt of court proceedings under Section 10 of the Election Act, 2017 in various high courts.
Section 10 of the Election Act states that “The Election Commission shall exercise powers equivalent to that of a High Court to punish any person for contempt of court and contempt of court Ordinance, 2003 (V of 2003), or any other law relating to contempt.” may. The effect of the Court shall be accordingly […]”
Earlier this year, the ECP had filed a petition in the Supreme Court, seeking consolidation of all the six petitions before one High Court. In its judgement, the Supreme Court said the ECP was allowed to continue proceedings under Section 10 against the PTI leaders, but it restrained the electoral body from passing final orders.
