ISLAMABAD, Sept. 14 (TNS): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Thursday issued bail-able arrest warrant for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for failing to appear before it in the contempt of court case against him.
The warrants were issued in contempt of court case against the PTI chief.
Khan is facing the case over his scandalous remarks about the commission. The contempt petition was filed by PTI founding member Akbar S. Babar.
A full bench of the ECP headed by Chief Election Commissioner retired Justice Sardar Mohammad Raza heard the case.
The ECP ordered Imran to submit surety bond of Rs100,000 by September 25 and nominate two persons who would ensure payment of the amount and be held responsible otherwise.
Imran was also ordered to appear on that day in the commission in person.
In the previous hearing last month, the ECP had issued a second show-cause notice to Imran Khan over his failure to file response to an earlier notice in the contempt of court proceeding.
Thursday was the last day for Imran Khan to file his reply in the case; however, his lawyer Babar Awan appeared before the commission. He informed the bench that Khan could not file the reply since he was in UK and has returned today just an hour ago.
He further said that Imran Khan’s petition is pending before Islamabad High Court where a larger bench will hear it today.
“Imran Khan respects the court and will turn up whenever required,” Awan assured.
However, the commission did not buy the argument, saying that Khan should have personally appeared before the commission if he really respected the courts.
After hearing, Babar Awan said that the ECP issued bailable arrest warrants for Imran Khan and ordered him to appear in the next hearing on Sept 25.
He said that PTI chief had challenged the ECP’s decision to hear a contempt case against him.
“The PTI had petitioned the IHC seeking an end to the contempt of court hearing against Imran”, Awan added.
