ECP seeks PTA report after Imran Khan misses virtual hearing due to 'internet issue'

Jail officials cited 'disrupted internet service' when electoral watchdog's counsel inquired about it during hearing

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has sought a report from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regarding internet service issues in Adaila jail after incarcerated former premier Imran Khan failed to appear via video link for his contempt of election commission case hearing.

During the hearing on Tuesday, PTI’s legal team, including Shoaib Shaheen and Faisal Chaudhry, along with jail authorities, were present.

The electoral watchdog's counsel questioned prison officials about the non-availability of video link, to which they replied that the internet service in the jail had been disrupted.

Shoaib Shaheen, representing Imran, requested that the ECP allow a meeting between the PTI chief and his legal team, but the commission responded that it was beyond their mandate.

Faisal Chaudhry expressed concerns for Imran's wellbeing, suggesting the ECP visit the jail, as the internet issue might not be resolved soon.

The ECP assured them that the matter would be addressed and later adjourned the hearing until November 5, while ordering the PTA to submit a report on the internet situation in the jail.

Earlier, Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana on Saturday adjourned the hearing of the £190 million reference against PTI founder Imran and his wife Bushra Bibi until October 22.

The hearing was attended by lawyers Usman Riaz Gul, Faisal Farid Chaudhry, and Khalid Yousuf, representing the accused.

Faisal Chaudhry requested the court to issue an order for presenting the accused via video link, stating, "Since October 3, we have not been able to meet Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. If a video link is not possible, the court should issue orders for the production of the accused."

In response, Judge Rana inquired whether the defense sought the video link for only one hearing or for all future hearings, instructing the legal team to submit a written request.

The hearing was subsequently adjourned until October 22 (today).

In another development, the anti-terrorism court adjourned the hearing on bail applications filed by Imran Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan.

Judge Raja Jawad Abbas Hasan, overseeing the case, stated, "I am not the duty judge and cannot decide on bail."

The petitioners were represented by lawyers Niazullah Niazi, Usman Riaz Gul, and others.