ISLAMABAD – The Election Commission of Pakistan on Tuesday deferred till Dec 27 the proceedings regarding indictment of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and former Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhary in contempt case.
ECP Member Nisar Durrani heard the case while other members including Shah Mahmood Jatoi, Babar Bharwana and Justice (retd) Ikramullah were also present there.
During the hearing, Fawad Chaudhary pointed out that they were not provided the relevant case documents, and their submissions were not accepted. He emphasized that without access to the necessary documents, he could not respond to the allegations against him.
Fawad Chaudhary filed a request for an open trial while in jail.
Through his lawyer Faisal Chaudhry, the request sought permission for local and international media to cover the jail trial, emphasizing the need for transparency. The plea also highlighted the restrictions on meeting family and lawyers, asserting that a trial without the presence of local and international media would be objectionable.
\Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court has dismissed a plea to halt the jail trial of Imran Khan, the PTI founder, in the contempt of the Election Commission case.
The court, led by Justice Aalia Neelum, rejected the immediate plea and issued notices to relevant parties, including the Election Commission.
The court responded by observing that Adiala Jail is in Rawalpindi, and its jurisdiction extends to Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Imran Khan’s lawyer countered, submitting that the notices were served when the petitioner was in Lahore, specifically in Zaman Park. He also submitted that the notification regarding jail trial in the case of ECP content was issued on December 8.
The court, however, issued notices to the ECP and others and sought replies in the case.
