ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday issued a bailable arrest warrant for former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry in a contempt case.
A four-member ECP bench, headed by ECP member Nisar Durrani, heard the contempt of ECP case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry.
Both the counsels for Imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry did not show up before.
However, Imran’s counsel Shoaib Shaheen’s assistant appeared before the commission during the hearing and informed the court about Shoaib Shaheen’s engagement in the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
The ECP member Khyber Pakhtunkhwa inquired from assistant counsel that wasn’t this case was crucial and did he possess legal licence?
The ECP deputy director law stated that the last hearing of this case was held in January but the high court prohibited it from issuing final verdict on this case, however, proceedings could be carried on.
At which the assistant of the PTI founder’s counsel said the ECP could allow virtual appearance of respondents during the hearing.
The ECP bench inquired about the virtual appearance of the respondent through video link, remarking that respondent appearance was necessary in criminal cases but not in civil cases.
Court can allow virtual appearance of respondents
PTI founder’s assistant counsel stated that technology could be utilised in cases and the court might allow virtual appearance.
ECP Sindh members inquired about Fawad Ch and his lawyer. Fawad Ch’s lawyer’s assistant lawyer Faisal Ch informed that Fawad Ch’s counsel was also present in the IHC like Shoaib Shaheen.
ECP issued a bailable arrest warrant to Fawad Ch on continuous absence in the hearing.
ECP members stated that Fawad Ch was not in jail, an arrest warrant could be issued against him. Absence of lawyer could be acceptable but where was Fawad Ch, verdict must be issued on Fawad Ch’s matter.
Assistant counsel stated that Fawad Ch’s case was ongoing in high court and their cases were challenged in the high court.
ECP is independent, not subordinate to anyone
The ECP member responded that Fawad Ch’s appearance in the high court was not necessary; however, the ECP commission was independent and not subordinate to anyone.
Consequently, ECP issued the bailable arrest warrant to Fawad Ch adjourning the case hearing until August 7.
It is pertinent to note that cases of ECP and CEC contempt against Imran Khan and Fawad Ch were fixed for hearing on June 20.
Imran Khan and Fawad Ch were indicted in the ECP contempt case on January 3.
It is worth noting that ECP issued notice to Imran Khan and Fawad Ch in August 2022 for levelling allegations on CEC and ECP during public gatherings and TV interviews.
