The contempt of ECP case registered against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry was heard by a four-member commission, headed by ECP member Nisar Durrani.

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In August 2022, the ECP had issued notice to Imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry for levelling allegations on CEC and ECP during public gatherings and TV interviews.

On January 3, both the politicians were indicted in the ECP contempt case.

During today’s hearing, Imran Khan’s counsel Shoaib Shaheen could not appeared before the commission but the counsel’s assistant appeared before the court during the hearing and informed the court about Shoaib Shaheen’s presence in the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

ECP deputy director law said that the last hearing was held in January but the high court prohibited the commission from issuing final decision in the case, however, proceedings could be carried out now.

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Imran’s counsel said the ECP could allow appearance of his client through video link.

The ECP inquired about the virtual appearance of the respondent through video link as the respondents appearance is necessary in criminal cases but not in civil cases.

Technology could be utilised in cases and the court might allow virtual appearance, the counsel said.

The ECP Sindh members inquired about Fawad Chaudhry and his lawyer. The assistant counsel of Fawad Chaudhry’s lawyer informed that his senior was also present in the IHC like Shoaib Shaheen.

ECP issued a bailable arrest warrant for Fawad Chaudhry on continuous absence in the case.

ECP members stated that Fawad Chaudhry was not in jail, an arrest warrant could be issued against him. Absence of lawyer could be acceptable but where was Fawad Chaudhry, verdict must be issued on Fawad Chaudhry’s matter.

The counsel said that Fawad’s case was ongoing in high court and their cases were challenged in the high court.

The ECP member remarked that Fawad Chaudhry’s appearance in the High Court was not necessary. However, he added, the ECP commission was independent and not subordinate to anyone.

After hearing arguments, the ECP commission issued the bailable arrest warrant to Fawad Chaudhry and adjourned the case hearing until August 7.