ISLAMABAD: Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to save its reputation by giving 41 seats in the National Assembly to his former party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
“The Election Commission should take concrete steps and restore its reputation. Give 41 seats to PTI,” he said during his address at the commission headquarters in Islamabad today.
The former PTI politician arrived at the ECP for a hearing — conducted by a four-member bench headed by Nisar Durrani — on the contempt case filed against him and PTI founder Imran Khan.
The Electoral Authority opened contempt proceedings against them in August 2022 for insulting the commission and its chief during various public meetings, press conferences and several interviews in July 2022.
According to the notification, the politicians face charges of making unparliamentary, intemperate and contemptuous remarks against the ECP on various occasions.
Chaudhry again apologized to the election watchdog as both he and Khan were charged with contempt for insulting the ECP and Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raj.
Following his request for clemency, the commission ordered the politician to apologize in writing.
Chaudhry was represented by his brother and lawyer Faisal Chaudhry. On the other hand, Shoaib Shaheen – who is PTI’s lawyer – did not appear before the commission as he was busy in the high court.
Apart from seeking an apology on behalf of his brother, Faisal also asked the commission to review the framing of charges in Khan’s case.
“In this case, the Election Commission has issued two orders, both of which have been challenged in the Islamabad High Court. [I am providing] a copy of the High Court decision,” the lawyer said.
Chaudhry added that the ECP framed the charge while the High Court stayed it.
He insisted that the decision of one case would apply to the other in the case involving Khan and Chaudhry.
“We are a forgiving people. I want to start by seeking forgiveness,” Chaudhry said, adding that he wanted to issue a written apology.
The politician also lamented the ECP’s discriminatory behavior towards the PTI.
In response to his opinion, the members of the commission said that it is not the task of a politician to abuse. “You were very emotional then. You should apologize.”
Chaudhry’s lawyer told the court that the IHC’s order was related to the framing of charges and suspension of the prison process and stressed the commission members to read the order carefully.
Politicians requested that the commission postpone the case until the next meeting.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the ECP adjourned the hearing to September 4.
