The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday decided that contempt case proceedings against PTI Chief Imran Khan and ex-party leader Fawad Chaudhry will take place on Dec 13 at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where both politicians are currently incarcerated.

The ECP issued its verdict in light of the interior ministry’s denial to produce the former premier before the commission during the last hearing, citing security concerns.

Subsequently on Nov 30, the ECP reserved a verdict and suggested the possibility of holding Imran’s trial in Rawalpindi jail.

Last year, the ECP had initiated contempt proceedings against the PTI chief, former party leader Asad Umar and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry for allegedly using “intemperate” language against the chief election commissioner and the electoral watchdog.

However, instead of appearing before the ECP, the three had challenged the ECP notices and contempt proceedings in various high courts arguing 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. The PTI leaders had also sought from the high courts a declaratory relief from the charges.

But in January, the Supreme Court allowed the ECP to continue proceedings against Imran, Chaudhry and Umar, and on June 21, the ECP decided to frame charges against the trio, which has yet to be done.

Chaudhry was arrested from Islamabad on Nov 4 in an unrelated case and has been in custody ever since.

In the latest development, the ECP declared that it will conduct indictment proceedings against the former premier and the ex-information minister in jail and asked the Ministry of Interior to make necessary arrangements in this regard.

It also directed the ministry to complete all necessary legal requirements for the proceedings within two days.

In the last hearing, ECP member from Sindh Nasir Durrani had told Imran’s counsel Shoaib Shaheen that the interior ministry had submitted a report that said that Imran could not be presented and proposed that the commission send a team to jail to indict him.

Imran’s lawyer had also expressed concern, stating that the jail trial of a leader of a top political party would send a wrong message.

Asad Umar had also made an appearance before the ECP in the same case in the last hearing. The electoral watchdog had questioned Umar about his repeated failure to appear before the commission.

“I have appeared before the ECP the most,” Umar had responded, adding that he had also quit politics. In response, one of the ECP members stated, “You can continue politics.”

Umar had also submitted his written response to the ECP.

Opinion

Editorial

Out of control
Updated 19 Feb, 2025

Out of control

AS bodies continue to fall in Kurram despite a state-sanctioned ceasefire, one wonders how long local militants’...
Hollow words
19 Feb, 2025

Hollow words

IT is not uncommon for politicians to resort to the use of hyperbole in order to boost their public standing. ...
Migration matters
19 Feb, 2025

Migration matters

THE grass, it seems, did appear greener on the other side to millions of people as evidenced by the latest UN ...
Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...