Pakistani ECP Issues Bailable Arrest Warrants for Ex-Minister Fawad Chaudhry in Contempt Case

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued bailable arrest warrants for former Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry. The action comes in response to Chaudhry's repeated failure to appear in court during a contempt case involving derogatory remarks against the ECP and its chief. The hearing is adjourned till August 7.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday issued bailable arrest warrants for the country's former information minister, Fawad Chaudhry, in a contempt of court case, Dawn reported. A four-member ECP bench, headed by Nisar Ahmad Durrani from Sindh, issued the warrants due to Chaudhry's repeated absences.

The bench resumed hearing contempt cases against Chaudhry and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan, who are accused of using extreme language and derogatory remarks against the ECP and the chief election commissioner. Khan's counsel, Shoaib Shaheen, was unavailable due to engagements at the Islamabad High Court.

In a related case involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the ECP's deputy director of law noted that no injunction was in place for Khan. In January, the High Court prevented the ECP from issuing a final order but allowed proceedings to continue.

Imran Khan's assistant counsel suggested virtual attendance for the respondent, as required in criminal cases. The ECP member questioned the absence of Fawad Chaudhry and his lawyer, learning that both were engaged at the Islamabad High Court.

The bench decided to issue a warrant for Fawad Chaudhry, noting that his presence was not mandatory at the High Court. The case is adjourned until August 7. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)