Non-bailable arrest warrants for PTI chief, Fawad issued

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Tuesday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief and former party leader Fawad Chaudhry, in a case of contempt against the top polling body.

The ex-prime minister and his former close aide did not appear before the ECP despite being summoned in a personal capacity. While Asad Umar was granted exemption on medical ground.

A four-member ECP bench headed by member from Sindh Nisar Durrani was hearing the case.

Last year, the top electoral body initiated contempt proceedings against the PTI leaders including the chief, former secretary general Asad Umar and Fawad, who then served as the senior vice president, for allegedly using foul language against the chief election commissioner. It has served several notices on them, asking them to appear in person and explain their point of view.

However, the PTI leaders did not appear before the ECP and later challenged its powers to initiate contempt proceedings under Section 10 of the Election Act 2017 in different high courts

In today’s hearing Asad Umar’s request for exemption was accepted after his counsel informed the court of his medical appointment.