ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has summoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan to appear in a personal capacity on May 23 in a contempt case. A four-member ECP bench, led by member Nisar Durrani, heard the contempt case against PTI leaders Fawad Chaudhry, Asad Umar, and Imran Khan on Tuesday.
The PTI leaders are accused of using derogatory language against the ECP and its chief, Sikander Sultan Raja. ECP member Justice (retd) Ikramullah Chaudhry expressed displeasure over the repeated absence of Imran Khan’s counsel during the proceedings.
Faisal Chaudhry, assistant to Khan’s counsel, informed the ECP bench that he was representing Imran Khan as the counsel was occupied with hearings in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for other cases involving the PTI chief.
In response, ECP member Ikramullah remarked that they would visit the Islamabad High Court and listen to the arguments there. He expressed concern over the lack of seriousness in the case, pointing out that it had been pending for a considerable period of time and that Imran Khan had appeared without legal representation in the previous hearing.
ECP orders Imran Khan to appear on May 23
Considering the gravity of the matter, member Durrani proposed issuing a non-bailable warrant for Imran Khan on the spot. However, the bench decided to summon the PTI chief to appear in person before them on May 23 and adjourned the hearing.
Meanwhile, the lawyer representing Asad Umar, Anwar Mansoor, informed the ECP bench that his client was currently in custody. Mansoor also mentioned that the electoral body’s lawyers had filed a stay order application in the Sindh High Court (SHC) regarding the matter.
However, the ECP member noted that according to the Supreme Court’s order, Umar’s counsel was required to present arguments in the case. The ECP granted a final opportunity to present arguments on May 23.
