Citing security risk, govt fails to produce Imran before ECP

Citing security concerns, the caretaker government on Tuesday excused itself from presenting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan before the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

After the Punjab Police cited security risks to Imran, the ECP questioned the feasibility of upcoming general elections if the Ministry of Interior was unable to provide adequate security to one person. The commission then summoned the Federal Interior Secretary Aftab Akbar Durrani.

The commission was hearing the contempt case against PTI leaders including Imran, Asad Umar and Fawad Chaudhry. Imran’s lawyer Shoaib Shaheen, Fawad, and Asad were present for the hearing.

Imran’s counsel said that the ECP was 'insulted' following the government’s refusal to present Imran.

On behalf of the Ministry of Interior, AIG operations Punjab Police in his report stated that there are threats to Imran’s life. “He has himself expressed it,” he said. “Are you sure he is right?” inquired the ECP members.

The senior police official pointed out that the ECP should hear the case in Adiala jail given that Rawalpindi is densely populated and significant risks can be present.

“How can you order us to hold a hearing in Adiala? If the Ministry of Interior cannot provide security to one person, how will we conduct the elections?” said the ECP.

ECP adjourned the hearing till November 13 and summoned the interior secretary. The ECP had earlier issued production orders for the PTI chairman for today.