ECP defers Imran, Fawad defamation case

PTI lawyer said there was an impression that ECP was facilitating one political party and targeting another

ISLAMABAD:

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday adjourned hearing of the defamation case against PTI founder Imran Khan and party’s former member Fawad Chaudhry till the elections on the request of party’s lawyers.

A four-member commission headed by Member Sindh Nisar Durrani heard the case.

During the hearing, the ECP allowed Fawad to submit a response to a show-cause notice till February 21. Durrani said, if needed, a production order for Fawad would be issued.

Appearing for PTI founder Imran Khan, lawyer Shoaib Shaheen requested the commission to put off hearing and record witnesses’ statements after February 15. The commission responded that the case had been pending for more than a year.

The lawyer said there was an impression that the commission was facilitating one political party and targeting another. Member Ikramullah Khan denied it, saying ECP was not leaning towards any political party.

Read: ECP indicts Imran and Fawad in contempt case

Shoaib Shaheen adopted the stance that a date for the poll had been announced but section 144 had been imposed in Punjab which prevented holding of gatherings.

Member Ikramullah said these matters belonged to the administration and that the ECP was not involved in these issues. “What can the commission do if a terrorist enters the rally,” he remarked.

When the lawyer pointed out that the commission had withdrawn the party's symbol, the commission member responded that people knew the PTI founder well enough.

There are big pictures of PTI's founder on posters in every constituency in Islamabad, he added.

On the occasion, the lawyer said PTI was ready to hold intra-party elections again under the supervision of the ECP.

Later, the commission adjourned the hearing till February 20.