ECP to hear contempt cases against Imran, Fawad today

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will hear the long-pending contempt cases today (Wednesday) for recording evidence and framing charges.

According to the cause list, an ECP bench will take up contempt cases against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former chairman Imran Khan and former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry. Both are accused of using intemperate, unparliamentary language and making contemptuous remarks against the ECP and Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja. The commission will record evidence in the case against Imran Khan, while also conducting proceedings to frame charges against Fawad Chaudhry in similar contempt cases. These cases were based on evidence provided by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) at the ECP’s request.

The ECP had initiated contempt proceedings against both individuals in August 2022 for their remarks during media talks and interviews. However, the cases have been delayed for various reasons.

Throughout the legal process, both Imran and Fawad have challenged the ECP’s jurisdiction in conducting contempt proceedings.

In addition, a separate contempt case was initiated against Fawad Chaudhry for allegedly using intemperate language and making contemptuous remarks during a media talk on January 24, 2023. The ECP bench will hear the submission of his reply to the contempt notice.

While Fawad had previously submitted a reply, it was rejected by the ECP, which directed him to submit a fresh one. A few weeks ago, Fawad had requested the commission to accept his apology.