ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan strictly warned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders of ex parte proceedings if they failed to appear in another hearing of contempt case. ECP is hearing case against PTI Chairman Imran Khan, Secretary General Asad Umar and Senior Vice-President Fawad Chaudhry.

Electoral body also issued bailable arrest warrants for three leaders which were suspended by Lahore High Court.

At outset of Tuesday’s hearing, ECP’s Balochistan member questioned, “Where are Imran Khan, Asad Umar and Fawad Chaudhary?”

At this, Advocate Faisal Chaudhry’s assistant told ECP panel that PTI leaders and their counsel could not make it to hearing because they had to attend former President Supreme Court Bar Association Latif Afridi’s funeral in Peshawar.

Electoral body’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa member said the high court had suspended their arrest warrants but did not exempt them from attending proceedings, adding that they did not file an exemption request either.

ECP Sindh member Nisar Durrani said that ECP will hold ex parte proceedings and announce verdict if  PTI leaders skip next hearing. ECP panel adjourned hearing until January 24.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 18 2023

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