Pakistan’s Election Commission Issues Arrest Warrants for Fawad Chaudhry

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued bailable arrest warrants for former information minister Fawad Chaudhry. This decision was made because Chaudhry repeatedly failed to appear in court. The case involves contempt charges against Chaudhry and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan for allegedly using extreme language and derogatory remarks against the ECP and its chief election commissioner.

A four-member bench of the ECP, led by Nisar Ahmad Durrani from Sindh, resumed the hearing. A junior lawyer represented Imran Khan, stating that Khan’s main counsel was busy in the Islamabad High Court. The ECP’s deputy director of law mentioned that there is no injunction for Khan in the High Court, allowing proceedings to continue.

Imran Khan’s assistant counsel suggested that the ECP could allow virtual attendance for Khan, as it is mandatory in criminal cases. The bench questioned the absence of Fawad Chaudhry and his lawyer, leading to the issuance of Chaudhry’s arrest warrants. The hearing has been adjourned until August 7.