The PTI legal team argued that it will be appropriate let the decision in an appeal pending in the Supreme Court of Pakistan to arrive before proceeding further with the case.
By Naveed Naqvi
ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has summoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan along with his top lieutenants Asad Umar and Fawad Chaudhry on the next hearing in the ongoing contempt of Election Commission case.
A four members bench of ECP headed by ECP Sindh member Nisar Durrani took up the case for hearing Tuesday.
Faisal Chaudhry counsel for PTI leaders said during the hearing of the case Imran Khan has not become able to travel so far. Member Balochistan said where is Imran Khan medical certificate. Faisal Chaudhry said medical certificate will be presented too.
He said the written decision on the ECP appeal in the Supreme Court (SC) has not arrived, and that it will be appropriate let the SC decision arrive before proceeding further. He maintained that the SC has upheld PTI’s objections.
Member KP said Imran Khan is sick then but why have the other people not appeared. Anwar Mansoor counsel said it will be appropriate that cases of all should be run simultaneously.
He said Lahore High Court had suspended show cause notices to Imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry.
KP member remarked show cause notice was issued by the Commission bench and not by the secretary. Anwar Mansoor Advocate said the Commission order is not in conformity with the law.
Member KP said if the ECP is found in error, the aggrieved party could seek relief from the High Court.
Member Sindh said waiting for SC decision is correct but was askance as to why the respondents are not appearing.
Counsel for PTI said he is giving application for exemption from attendance from PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry, who he said is suffering from flu and fever.
Member Sindh said the contempt has not been committed of an individual but it has been made of Commission as an institution.
PTI counsel said all political parties and all the persons are bound to respect the institutions. We are fully sure Commission will do justice.
The ECP member from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) said no one should cast doubts on the Commission, and that the Commissioners held no grudges against anyone.
Member ECP Punjab was askance as to why Asad Umar had chosen to abstain from the hearing when he had already tendered an apology.
The ECP adjourned the hearing of the case till January 03.
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