Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan and former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry were formally charged with contempt against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the chief election commissioner.
The indictment was announced by a four-member bench of the electoral body, led by Sindh Member Nisar Ahmad Durrani, following a hearing held at Adiala jail, where both leaders are currently held.
The former prime minister and ex-minister were present in the courtroom and vehemently denied the allegations outlined in the charge sheet. Despite their denial, the ECP decided to adjourn the hearing on the contempt case until January 16.
Contempt proceedings were initiated by the electoral body against Imran Khan, former party leader Asad Umar, and Fawad Chaudhry for allegedly insulting the commission and its chief through “unparliamentary, intemperate, and contemptuous” remarks during various public meetings, press conferences, and interviews.
The notice from the ECP required the accused politicians to either personally appear before the commission bench to address the charges or send their legal representation. Instead, they chose to challenge the commission’s jurisdiction in multiple high courts. However, in January 2023, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the commission, allowing it to proceed with the contempt proceedings. Subsequently, on June 21, the ECP decided to formally frame charges against them.
The process faced delays, and during the previous hearing on December 27, the electoral watchdog was unable to formally charge Imran Khan and the ex-information minister.
The hearing and charge sheeting of the two leaders were adjourned until January 3, which took place today.
