ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday issued bailable arrest warrants against former information minister Fawad Chaudhry in a contempt of the ECP case.

A four-member bench of the Election Commission, headed by the member from Sindh, Nisar Ahmad Durrani, issued the warrants for Mr Chaudhry due to his constant failure to turn up in the court.

As the bench resumed hearing in the contempt cases against Mr Chaudhry and PTI founder chairman Imran Khan for allegedly using intemperate language and contemptuous remarks against the ECP and the chief election commissioner, a junior lawyer informed the bench that Mr Khan’s counsel Shoaib Shaheen was busy in the Islamabad High Court and that he had the power of attorney.

Concerning a similar case against the former prime minister, ECP’s deputy director Law said there is no injunction in this case for Mr Khan in the high court.

The last time this case was heard in the high court was in January and the court had prevented the ECP from passing the final order but proceedings could be held.

The assistant counsel of the PTI founder said that the ECP can ensure the virtual attendance of the respondent, as attendance is mandatory in criminal cases.

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

The ECP member from Sindh asked where Mr or his lawyer is, as a junior of counsel appeared in the commission and told that Mr Faisal Chaudhry is also in Islamabad High Court.

“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 Mr Chaudhry was under way in the high court.

In reply, a member of the commission said that his client’s presence in the high court was not necessary while the commission is independent and not subordinate to anyone.

The bench issued Mr Chaudhry’s arrest warrants and adjourned the hearing till August 7.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2024