IPP leader Firdous Ashiq Awan apologizes for slapping a policeman

SIALKOT: Leader of Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) Firdous Ashiq Awan, found herself in the spotlight again today as she appeared before the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding allegations of assaulting a police officer.

Firdous Ashiq Awan issues apology amid slapping allegations

The hearing, presided over by a two-member bench with Member Sindh Nisar Durrani at the helm, delved into the contentious incident that has sparked nationwide attention. Awan, accompanied by her legal counsel, submitted a written response to the ECP, addressing the accusations levelled against her.

Notably, the ECP received a corresponding written statement from the police official involved.

“Who are you to take the law into your hands?” Member Sindh Durrani said to Awan. In response, she highlighted the unique circumstances surrounding the incident, stating, “There were 381 polling stations in my constituency, this incident did not happen anywhere else.” She further alluded to a “strange atmosphere” prevailing at the polling stations, seeking to contextualise her actions.

Firdous Ashiq Awan booked for slapping police officer

However, amidst the back-and-forth, Awan offered an apology, expressing regret for her actions. “The law [officers] should have protected me, the crowd was harassing me,” she asserted.

Member Sindh Durrani remarked, “We did not expect a slap from you.”

The commission reserved the verdict on Awan’s slapping case. During the last hearing, Awan was asked to formally submit a written response.