ISLAMABAD, July 25 (EW): Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan Tuesday appeared before the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), a day after the latter ordered the Islamabad police chief to arrest him and produce before the electoral body in a contempt case on Tuesday (today) at 10 am.
According to the warrants, the Islamabad inspector general of police was asked for execution and the same was received by Rai Muhammad Ali Advocate on behalf of Imran Khan at Bani Gala, “Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi, R/o (Bani Gala, Mora Nor Islamabad & House No2, Zaman Park Lahore) is required in the contempt of the commission’s proceedings initiated in terms of Section 10 of the Elections Act, 2017.
“The said person failed to appear before the Election Commission of Pakistan despite service of notices as well as bailable arrest warrants of arrest dated Jan 16, 2023 and March 2, 2023,” read the warrants.
It stated, “The commission, in exercise of powers vested in it under Section 4(2) of the Elections Act, 2017 and other enabling provisions of act and rules has issued non-bailable warrant of arrest of Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi”.
“This warrant authorises you [Islamabad IGP] to arrest said Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi and bring him before the Election Commission of Pakistan on 25th day of July, 2023 at 10am.”
The case is related to the alleged use of foul language against the electoral chief by various leaders of the former ruling party including Asad Umar and Fawad Chaudhry.
Last year, the electoral watchdog had initiated contempt proceedings against the Imran Khan as well as other party leaders as Asad Umar and Fawad Chaudhry for allegedly using “intemperate language” and passing “contemptuous remarks” against the chief election commissioner and the institution.
The commission had asked them to appear in person or through their counsels before it to explain their position.
However, they challenged the contempt proceedings before various courts on the grounds that Section 10 of the Elections Act, 2017, which was the statutory provision regarding the commission’s power to punish for contempt, was against the Constitution.
Section 10 titled ‘Power to Punish for Contempt’ states that the “election commission may exercise the same power as the high court to punish any person for contempt of court”.
In January, the apex court allowed the ECP to continue the proceedings against Imran, Fawad and Umar and on June 21, the ECP decided to frame charges against them.
On the July 11 hearing, they did not appear before the ECP despite being summoned, after which it issued arrest warrants against Imran and Fawad. The ECP had, however, accepted a plea by Umar’s lawyer to allow his client exemption from the hearing.
