ECP issues bailable arrest warrants for Fawad

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan on Thursday issued bailable arrest warrants of ex-minister Fawad Chaudhry in an ECP contempt case for constantly avoiding appearance in the hearing.

The development took place during hearing in contempt cases against Fawad and PTI founder chairman Imran Khan for allegedly using intemperate, unparliamentary language and contemptuous remarks against the commission and the chief election commissioner on different occasions.

A four-member bench of the ECP headed by Sindh ECP Member Nisar Ahmad Durrani resumed hearing in the cases.

Assistant lawyer of Imran Khan’s counsel Shoaib Shaheen appeared before the commission and said his senior was busy with the Islamabad High Court and that he had the power of attorney.

Concerning a similar case against Imran, the ECP deputy director Law said there was no injunction in this case for Imran Khan in the High Court. The last time this case was heard in a high court was in January. The court prevented passing the final order but proceedings could be held.

The assistant counsel of the founder PTI said the commission could ensure the virtual attendance of the respondent, as attendance was mandatory in criminal cases.

He also contended that in the law of evidence, technology could be used, therefore, the court could allow virtual attendance.

The member of the Election Commission Sindh asked where Fawad Chaudhry or his lawyer were, as the junior lawyer of Fawad’s counsel appeared in the commission and told that Faisal was also present in the Islamabad High Court and so was his counsel Faisal Chaudhry.

“Let us issue a warrant for Fawad Chaudhry, for he is not in jail, let us issue his warrant, the presence of a lawyer will be exempted, but where is Fawad Chaudhry?” the bench remarked.

The assistant lawyer maintained that the case of Fawad Chaudhry was underway in the high court and in reply, a member of the commission said that Fawad’s presence in the high court was not necessary while the commission was independent and not subordinate to anyone.

The bench issued Fawad’s arrest warrant and adjourned the hearing till August 7.

On January 3, this year, Imran and Fawad were indicted in the contempt of election commission case. Back in August 2022, the commission issued a contempt notice to Imran Khan, Asad Umar and Fawad during various meetings, press conferences and interviews. On similar grounds, contempt notices were issued to both with reference to the chief election commissioner. The contempt cases are continuing since 2022, and have witnessed various phases with no final outcome in sight so far.