Islamabad (Web Desk): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former premier Imran Khan and his former cabinet member Fawad Chaudhry in a case pertaining to contempt of the top polling body and the chief election commissioner (CEC).
The order was passed by a four-member ECP bench headed by member Nisar Durrani.
Last year, the ECP had initiated contempt proceedings against the PTI chief, Asad Umar and Fawad for allegedly using foul language against the CEC and the electoral body.
It had also asked them to appear in person or through their counsels before the commission to explain their position.
However, the PTI leaders did not appear before the ECP and later challenged its powers to initiate contempt proceedings under Section 10 of the Election Act 2017 in different high courts.
In January, the Supreme Court (SC) had allowed the ECP to continue proceedings against Imran, Fawad and Umar. In its order, the apex court held that since the objections to ECP authority were raised by the respondents in the pending proceedings under Section 10, the same was required to be considered and decided by ECP before passing a final order on the matter.
On June 21, the electoral body had decided to frame charges against Imran Khan, Fawad Chaudhry and Asad Umar in July.
During today’s hearing, Imran, Fawad and Umar did not appear before the commission despite being summoned.
Asad Umran was represented by his lawyer's assistant who submitted a request to adjourn the hearing as Advocate Anwar Mansoor was on leave on medical grounds and Umar was also occupied with medical check-ups.
The electoral watchdog accepted the request and directed the lawyer to submit a formal plea in this regard.
Similarly, the assistant counsel for Fawad Chaudhry said that his client was in Lahore while his counsel, Faisal Chaudhry, was at the Islamabad High Court.
Later, the top election body issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry and adjourned the hearing till July 25.