ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday summoned Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for September 14 in a contempt case against him.
Through a notice, Khan has been asked on to explain why the ECP should not initiate contempt proceedings against him.
The notice stated that instead of submitting a reply to a petition filed by Akbar Sher Babar in ECP, Khan had submitted a review application containing “derogatory remarks against the commission thereby scandalising the commission”.
Though his counsel later apologised unconditionally, Khan failed to do so despite being provided “repeated opportunities”. Babar had then sought contempt proceedings to be initiated Khan whose actions “appear to have the effect of lowering the authority” of the ECP and bringing it into “disrespect and disrepute”, the notice, issued by order of the ECP, said. Earlier this month, the ECP had issued another show cause notice to Khan, asking him to submit his reply.
However, the PTI chairman’s counsel Babar Awan had said that his client needed more time since they wanted to challenge the ECP notice in the high court. The ECP had then decided to give Khan more time and had issued another contempt notice to him.
Published in Daily Times, September 1st 2017.
