The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has sought a report from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regarding internet service issues in Adiala Jail, which led to former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s inability to attend his contempt of election commission hearing via video link. During the hearing, PTI’s legal team, including Shoaib Shaheen and Faisal Chaudhry, along with jail authorities, were present. Jail officials informed the ECP that the internet service in the jail had been disrupted, preventing the video link connection.
Imran Khan’s lawyer, Shoaib Shaheen, requested the ECP to allow a meeting between Imran and his legal team, but the commission stated that it was beyond its jurisdiction. Faisal Chaudhry raised concerns about Imran Khan’s wellbeing and suggested that the ECP visit the jail if the internet issue wasn’t resolved soon. The ECP adjourned the hearing until November 5 and ordered the PTA to submit a report on the internet situation in Adiala Jail.
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In a separate legal matter, the hearing of the £190 million reference against Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, related to corruption charges, was adjourned until October 22 by Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana. Imran’s legal team requested the court to allow the couple to appear via video link due to their restricted communication since October 3.
Additionally, the Anti-Terrorism Court adjourned hearings on bail applications filed by Imran Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, due to Judge Raja Jawad Abbas Hasan not being the duty judge authorized to decide on bail. Their legal representation included lawyers Niazullah Niazi and Usman Riaz Gul.
