ISLAMABAD: Former Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday asked the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to take meaningful actions to get its prestige restored.

Appearing before a four-member bench of the ECP, headed by Member from Sindh Nisar Ahmed Durrani, in contempt of ECP and Chief Election Commissioner against him and PTI founder Imran Khan, he said respect is drawn by actions and sought the ECP to notify 41 members of the National Assembly as PTI lawmakers.

Fawad’s lawyer seeks open trial of Imran in contempt case

At the outset of the proceedings, Mr Chaudhry yet again tendered an apology to the electoral watchdog, and was told by the commission to submit a written apology.

Mr Chaudhry was represented by his brother and lawyer Faisal Chaudhry. On the other hand, Shoaib Shaheen, counsel for Imran Khan, could not make it as he was busy at the high court.

Faisal Chaudhary also requested the commission to review the charge framed against Imran Khan and hold PTI founder’s open trial. He referred to a judgement recently pronounced by the Islam­abad High Court holding that trial in contempt in jail does not constitute an open trial and it was in violation of Article 10-A of the Constitution.

When the bench pointed out that Imran Khan was not a party in the case, Faisal Chaudhary referred to Articles 4 and 25 of the Constitution and also cited that in Iqbal Niazi case the principle has been decided by the top court that the benefit of a judgement in one case will be applicable to the other case as well.

At a stage, a bench member told Fawad Chaudhry that it was not the job of politicians to abuse. “You were very emotional at that time. You should tender an apology.”

Mr Chaudhry’s lawyer told the court that the IHC order was related to the framing of charge in jail and suspension of jail trial, asking the commission members to carefully read the order. He requested that the commission postpone the case till further action. The ECP adjou­rned the hearing till Sept 4.

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2024