ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has adjourned the contempt case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry until September 19.
Naeem Haider Panjuta, representing Imran Khan, appeared before the ECP and requested the postponement of the hearing. He also informed the commission that Fawad Chaudhry had similarly requested a delay until September 19, but Sindh member Nisar Durani considered Fawad’s case to be separate.
Shoaib Shaheen argued that Imran Khan’s case was distinct from Fawad Chaudhry’s. Naeem Panjuta added that they were unable to appear due to their involvement in other legal matters.
The Advocate General informed the court that Fawad Chaudhry would need to file an application for an exemption from appearing. ECP officials noted that all witnesses against Imran Khan were scheduled to testify that day.
The Advocate General suggested that Imran Khan could appear via video link, as per a high court order. However, Naeem Panjuta informed the court that the jail administration had not provided the video link facility.
As a result, the ECP adjourned the hearing of the contempt case against Imran Khan until September 19.
ECP Contempt Case
Imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry have been indicted in contempt cases related to the ECP and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). Fawad Chaudhry has requested an open trial for the ECP contempt case. The cases against them were originally scheduled for a hearing on June 20, with both being indicted on January 3.
The ECP issued notices to Imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry in August 2022, accusing them of making allegations against the CEC and ECP during public gatherings and television interviews.
