The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has formally accused Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry of contempt directed towards the electoral body and the chief election commissioner. The proceedings took place in Adiala jail, where both leaders are currently detained. Led by Sindh Member Nisar Ahmad Durrani, a four-member bench of the ECP conducted the hearing, with both the former prime minister and ex-minister present to refute the claims detailed in the charge sheet.
The contempt case hearing has been postponed until January 16, following the allegations related to disparaging remarks made by the former PTI chairman, Asad Umar, and Fawad Chaudhry against the commission and its chief. The charges stemmed from public gatherings, press conferences, and interviews where disrespectful language was allegedly used.
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Politicians were given the option to appear either personally or through their representatives to address the allegations. Instead, they chose to challenge the commission’s authority in various high courts. However, in January 2023, the Supreme Court authorized the commission to proceed. On June 21, the ECP decided to formally press charges, a process that is still pending.
The charge sheet, based on the Election Act 2017, revealed that both the PTI founder and the former minister conducted a campaign against the ECP in 2022. The charge sheet cites instances where disrespectful language was allegedly used during a public gathering in Bhakkar on July 12 of that year, among other occasions. It also referenced the Supreme Court’s acknowledgment of the ECP’s jurisdiction to take action.
The prosecution presented a documented charge sheet, calling for a trial based on evidence such as videos and documents. In a prior hearing on December 27, the ECP was unable to formally charge the PTI founder and the ex-information minister, leading to an adjournment until January 3.
