Umar renders apology to ECP in contempt case

PTI leader says neither scandalised commission nor tried to defame it

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf General Secretary Asad Umar has rendered an apology to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in the contempt case.

The ECP heard the contempt case against PTI Chairman Imran Khan, Secretary General Umar and Vice President Fawad Chaudhry.

Umar said that there was no such thing regarding the ECP that should be seen as an insult. “If the ECP still feels that it was insulted, I am sorry. I leave myself at its mercy.”

The PTI leader also submitted a reply to the show-cause notice.

In his reply, Umar said that the notice sent by the electoral watchdog secretary was illegal. “A show-cause notice can be sent by the ECP and not its secretary.”

Also read: PTI submits response in ECP contempt case

The PTI leader said that he did not say anything that would give an impression of contempt, adding that he neither scandalised the ECP nor tried to defame it, “only made legitimate criticism and appropriate comments”.

Umar said that the party responded to the bias of the ECP against it. “In the prohibited funding case, the ECP gave a unilateral report based on malice.” He said the commission declared it a foreign-funded party and sent the case to the government for action. “The ECP is only hearing cases against the PTI as short dates are given in PTI cases and long dates in other cases.” In the funding case also, he said, only the PTI's scrutiny was completed.

Imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry's lawyer Faisal Chaudhry said that elections were being held in their constituency. “Both, I and Fawad are contesting the elections. Therefore, it would be appropriate to give the date after the election.”

Faisal said that he would try to be present at the next hearing and give arguments on the objections. The ECP adjourned the hearing till Feb 28.