ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for PTI chief Imran Khan and ex-information minister Fawad Chaudhry in a case pertaining to contempt of the electoral 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 “intemperate” language against the CEC and the electoral watchdog.
It had also asked them to appear in person or through their counsels before the commission to explain their position. However, instead of appearing before the ECP, the PTI leaders had challenged the ECP notices and contempt proceedings in various high court on the grounds that Section 10 of the Elections Act 2017, which is the statutory provision regarding the commission’s power to punish for contempt, was against the Constitution. According to the Election Act 2017, 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 and the Contempt of Court Ordinance, 2003, or any other law pertaining to contempt of court shall have effect accordingly […]” –Agencies
