66
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has ordered the Islamabad Capital Police to arrest Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan and present him before it on Sept 25.
In a letter written to the Islamabad SSP Operations on Friday, the commission said that Mr Khan was charged with contempt of the ECP under Section 103-A of the Representation of Peoples’ Act (Ropa), 1976. He was issued a show-cause notice to appear before the commission on Sept 14, but did not do so. The commission decided to issue bailable warrants.
According to the letter signed by the commission’s additional director general (law) Malik Mujtaba Ahmad, the police were “hereby directed to arrest Mr Imran Khan Niazi” and produce him before the ECP on Sept 25.
The Islamabad advocate general has also been asked to appear before the commission on Sept 25 to conduct contempt proceedings.
“As the matter pertains to contempt proceedings under Section 103 of the Ropa, 1976 read with Article 204 of the Constitution, a notice is hereby given to you so that you may appear and conduct the proceedings before the commission,” according to a letter issued to the advocate general by the commission.
The ECP also released a written order passed a day earlier, which says: “From the discussion by the learned counsel on either side, it is informed that the respondent is available in the country today, but yet he did not care to appear. It seems that every order of the commission is violated day in and day out. The commission is constrained to and hereby issues bailable warrant of arrest in the sum of Rs100,000 with two sureties under Section 76 read with Section 86 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.”
Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2017
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (66) Closed
Sep 16, 2017 09:31am
when did Election commission became supreme court and starts issuing contempt of court things.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 09:41am
This will pave the way for arrest of all members of Sharif family. However let me remind ECP they are dishonest and themselves are guilty contempt.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 09:43am
I'm not a IK supporter but I can count several times when some politicians including the heads of state who did not appear in court when they were ordered to, this was only the ECP, and since when is the ECP authorized to issue warrants for arrest.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 09:58am
Big joke. MNAs and ministers are violating election code of conduct in Lahore and no action is taken, government resources are being used in Lahore by the sitting government for elections and nothing happens but on this election commission is so active.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 10:03am
@Naa Ahl still waiting for any response but didn't see any contempts. you must be writing about gill again.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 10:16am
Huh, The headmaster of my school has also issue my warrant as I am not attending the school for the last two weeks and i have not sent a request for their approval.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 10:18am
Is IK above the law?
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 10:23am
Let's see the Police implement the order. If ECP does not have the legal authority to issue arrest warrants, the courts will provide relief. But IK is not above the law - he only pretends that he is.
Bring him to justice or bring justice to him. It is about time.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 10:26am
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has ordered the Islamabad Capital Police to arrest Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan and present him before it on Sept 25. Looks like either ECP or Media gone banana, he has Bailable Warrants, so for what keep using arrest him, non-sense?
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 10:26am
ECP is doing its best to destroy its remaining credibility. The ECP chairman has perhaps forgotten that he retired as Supreme Court Judge long time ago and can not act as Supreme Court Judge.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 10:28am
@Nazmul What law you are talking about. ECP can not act like Supreme Court or High courts.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 10:29am
I think NAB has given his power to ECO as he is so week that he can't take action against any powerful.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 10:35am
All the arguments IK is making against ECP, MNS could make against SC. If you believe in rule of law, walk the talk.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 10:35am
Can ECP initiate contempt proceedings?? And in the first place, ECP is like SC??
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 10:37am
What an idiotic joke. No where in the whole world that any EC can issue arrest warrants of any person, but only in Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 10:39am
A commission issuing an arrest warrant? A first!
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 11:03am
This misuse of power clearly exposes ECP from where they are taking dictations.This needs to be challenged in SC for restraining ECP.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 11:10am
@Dr Ahmad - Melbourne So IK is above the law then Dr? What makes IK and the PTI so special it doesn't have to follow the sames laws/rules as the rest. The PTI and IK have been asked about some serious issues, are you not bothered who they collect funds from? Does it not worry you the influence of external forces such as UK based Zionists and Indian lobby having influence to destabilise Pakistan? Where did IK get the funds for the Dharnas? Who is looking to destroy the democracy in Pakistan? You are an intelligent man think critically about the influence these nasty people hold on IK! And how does IK quality as sadiq and amin? He has an illegitimate daughter who he denied till her mother took Mr Khan to court with a DNA test, is this the man you want running Pakistan? No guts to accept responsibilities for his mistakes but good to look to faults of others?
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 11:11am
Well done ECP.I am happy after being angry for several months on IK.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 11:27am
Catch if you can!
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 11:40am
And the dirty politics is on its peak again. I wonder who gave ECP the authority to issue arrest warrant?
May sanity prevail.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 11:49am
In my view, ECP is reacting irresponsibly and following double standards, one for Nawaz Sharif and one for others. Amazing, what money, promotions, selection of special people without ability, qualifications and merits can do!
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 11:50am
Article 204 is an integral act of 1973 constitution of Pakistan and does not grant any power of contempt proceedings to the ECP. ROPA 1976 article 103 A is an ordinary law which says that in contempt case ECP power is equal to that of a high court judge.In the original ROPA 1976 it further added after word judge," and the Contempt of Court Act 1976 ". Contempt of Court Act 1976 was repealed by Contempt of Court Ordinance 2003 but ROPA 1976 law was not amended accordingly by the Assembly. So as per the law the power of contempt proceedings cannot now be initiated by the ECP until its amendment.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 12:09pm
IK is running away from foreign funding case. Its very clear when IK campaigned against Pakistanis in England and was campaigning for Jewish. Its very clear that why IK does so. He needs to show his accounts. He is not above the law. IK used to say Ill present myself to justice and now says many other parties are there why only me, haha Joke of the millenium this guy is making. Having illegitimate daughter and being tagged as harasser its not good that now IK being tagged as running away from being investigated. He is not above the law. Its amazing that despite drastic performance in KPK, the IK is holding Jalsas on whose directions? Sheikh Rasheed is not joining PTi because he is being used as 'mohra' to send messages across as soon this is done, this mohra will be attached with another one. But one thing is sure that when used nobodu trust one so IK being used is in another world thinking he will be made P.M
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 12:25pm
@Nazmul when law in itself is a joke. Then who cares.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 12:34pm
such stupid things happen only in pakistan
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 12:35pm
@Lala your comment shows how ignorant one can become and how low one can stoop. You don't meet the minimum intellectual criteria to write your comments in a widely circulated newspaper like dawn and its website.
If ECP starts sending arrest warrants then what is next ? Head of another government department? Chancellors and vice chancellors for students who are accused of any wrong doing? What will be the role of judiciary if every one is granted the right to send arrest warrants for others.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 12:47pm
Yet another corrupt political person. Good job ec. Ban him
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 01:00pm
@Ch beg mulla - don't be so pessimistic and impartial! Where is the proof of corruption against Imran Khan? All are false allegations without proofs - you need solid evidences like Nawaz Sharif disqualification of corrupt practices, lies, fraud and money laundering incidents. These are the facts and ground realities!
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 01:22pm
ECP is eroding its own credibility by making decisions which have no chance of implementation
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 01:23pm
His arrest is long over due.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 01:41pm
Niazi's days are numbered!
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 01:44pm
This is the dirty trick of clowns of ECP appointed by Nawaz and zardari. This could be one of the last dirty trick by nawaz to create unrest in the country, supreme court must shut ECP mouth and tell them it is SC not the ECP can issue such orders
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 02:15pm
Let the Higher Courts determine if the Election Commission of Pakistan has the legal powers to order the arrest of Imran Khan. To me, it seems an unprecedented move by ECP.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 02:36pm
@Musa so you want people who are corrupt in their personal lives staying in UK with Qatari Prince is very graceful in terms of your criteria?
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 02:44pm
After all his rhetorics in last 4- years on corruption, standing with judiciary and hoax statements to defame. One is recognized by his own acts, it's high time IK to act or else is no different to other politicians. Big question
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 03:19pm
While Nawaz Sharif & family is roaming scot free a person who is only accused of certain act is being ordered to be arrested. This is what Imran Khan has been telling for years. Nawaz Sharif & Co has contaminated almost all institutions of the country, be it a,b or c. Those not forced in the preferred ring are performing excellently and honestly delivering what is due of them.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 03:22pm
What a joke! They should rather be arresting ministers and government officials busy in campaigning for NA-120. Arrest IK and all hell will break on you election commission.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 03:22pm
This is absurd. ECP is turning out to be a political wing of PML-N. The entire nation is with Imran Khn in his war against Corruption and Corruption Mafias.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 03:31pm
What a silly joke to get cheap publicity? Is Election Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan a court of law? If not, how can it issue an order to the Islamabad Capital Police to arrest Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan and present him before it on Sept 25, 2017?
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 03:39pm
@Musa - you miss the point Mr Musa. It is not about if IK or PTI are above the law of land. ECP does not have the legal authority to issue arrest warrants and doing so ECP has gone beyond their legally bound duty. Just search and read about EC functionality around the world, no EC ha do done such a thing.
If IK or PTI are taking law in their hands, police and courts are there to act in such situations but not ECP.
Overall political situation in Pakistan is just pathetic regardless which party or who in power is steering the country. You have every right to agree or disagree with my opinion because that's what we do here in Australia every day.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 03:40pm
This is a joke. Why, PMLN MPA and PMNs are not not being arrested for appearing in NA120?
This is one of the reasons, no one trusts ECP anymore. Double standard.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 03:42pm
@Lala Its very clear when IK campaigned against Pakistanis in England and was campaigning for Jewish.
Can you substantiate this allegation?
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 03:58pm
@Nazmul "Is IK above the law?"
No, only Sharif family are.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 04:04pm
@Musa
I guess you are a supporter of the MAFIA FAMILY, who obey no law.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 04:12pm
No law applies to IK, continues to flout institutions but wants others to respect it.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 04:25pm
ECP is a joke.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 05:00pm
The reputation of ECP as perceived by public, is unfortunately, not the best.
It is extremely sad and very unfortunate, for the people of Pakistan, and the country itself, that a retired judge is unable do any thing about improving the reputation of ECP.
ECP to please look at the Supreme Court of Pakistan today, just to learn, how to command respect. The best Supreme Court we have had in the history of this nation.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 05:01pm
Issuing arrest warrants is the enough prove of biasnes of ECP.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 05:08pm
He is untouchable as he has couple of other outstanding warrants since 2014. He can delay the cases against him for years can criticize , pressurize state institutions still he is fine.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 05:12pm
On the other hand, influential landlord of Dadu killed young girl for refusing his proposal and now at large and threatening her family for dire consequences. All this happened in the constituency of Sindh CM where Bilawal giving speech today on how PPP has fought for rights of poor. Such a shame and slap on this so called democracy
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 06:41pm
Election commission remained silence over Shareefs mega corruption and issues warrants to khan, an obvious political retaliation.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 07:22pm
Arrest him but arrest all others including Maryam Nawaz who are committing contempt of court every day.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 08:07pm
@LAHORI KID .... .... The ECP does not issue warrants. They get judges to issue warrants. That was just the way it was worded in this article.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 08:09pm
@Dr Javaid .... ... but he can get his other friends who are judges to issue warrants. It is time for Imran to stand up and be the man he claims he is.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 08:15pm
@Dr Javaid .... and Imran cannot keep hiding like a rabbit in a burrow. The only thing he is guilty of is not keeping proper records. When his followers were being arrested in Islamabad he was hiding in his house. Leading the country is a liitle bit different than leading a cricket team.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 08:23pm
Actually ,The supreme court need order police to arrest ECP chairman who was involved in massive rigging of election and helped corrupt Nawaz Sharif win the election.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 09:19pm
ECP is not entitled to issue arrest warrants of any citizen. This is being done on the behest of the ruling party to take revenge against Imran Khan for raising the Panama papers issue.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 11:11pm
It is a joke. The entire Sharif family and PMLN are busy ridiculing the judiciary and ECP has not taken any notice of it. MN's entire NA 120 election campaign is based on making fun of SC. ECP, you are public servants of the country and not slaves of NS. ECP, please use your time serving people and stop likcing your masters' boots.
Recommend
0
Sep 16, 2017 11:47pm
Corrupt ECP. Another face of Corrupt Noon party.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2017 01:25am
It is futile to expect anything good or decent specially in the backdrop of NA 120. As far as Panma case is concerned It is expected to be in the jurisdiction of SC, NO undue advantage can be adduced. IK step forward and face the courts.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2017 02:42am
"103A. Power of Commission to punish for contempt.--The Commission shall have the same power as the
High Court has to punish any person for contempt of court and the Contempt of Court Act,1976 (XLIV of
1976), shall have effect accordingly as if reference therein to a "court " and to a "judge " were a reference,
respectively, to the "Commission" and the Commissioner or, as the case may be, a member of the
Commission."So, according to law what ECP's ordered is justified, weather you are a PTI supporter or not it doesn't matter, the rule of law is what should be followed, even if Imran Khan started this initiative, he is still accountable in the eyes of the law as any other person in the state.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2017 06:42am
my dear Lahori Kid,
You are wondering about the authority of ECP to issue arrest warrant.You should keep in mind that the chairman of ECP is a Retired High Cout Judge, and that means that for last 35 years he is all time dealing with Law and the meanings of various clauses indicated in Constitutions.But you have tried to say that such a person with so vast experience in Law ,does not know Law; while you as a layman know more law than him.Can any sane man believe you?
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2017 07:14am
It looks to that this is all politics. If somebody has the courage to open the secrets before the people of Pakistan then he should be arrested unless proven guilty. These people should go after the big thieves who have taken the money of Pakistan abroad. ECP, please stay away from Imran.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2017 07:50am
It is painful to see lovable celebrity degenerate so abysmally.
Recommend
0
Sep 18, 2017 07:10am
We will not allow any agency to arrest our beloved leader Imran Khan. He is the gem of gems.
Recommend
0
