Shoaib Ansari 
imran khan petitions supreme court against ihc decision on toshakhana case battle for political eligibility intensifies
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) indicted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry in a Contempt Case against the Electoral body and the chief Election Commissioner. The four-member bench, led by Sindh Member Nisar Ahmad Durrani, Conducted the hearing in Adiala jail, where both leaders are currently held. Imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry, present in the Courtroom, Denied the allegations listed in the Charge Sheet.
The ECP initiated Contempt Proceedings against the former PTI Chairman and other Party leaders for making Derogatory remarks about the Commission and its Chief During Public Meetings, Press Conferences and interviews. The charge sheet alleges that the accused used Non-Parliamentary language against the ECP during a Public Gathering in Bhakkar on July 12, 2022 and in other instances.
The accused Challenged the Commission’s jurisdiction in Multiple High Courts instead of appearing Before the Bench. However the Supreme Court in January 2023 allowed the Commission to Proceed with the Case. The ECP on June 21, 2023,decided to frame Charges against them. The Charge Sheet Calls for the initiation of a trial based on Evidence, Videos and Documents.
The Hearing on December 27 could not Result in Charging Imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry leading to an adjournment Until January 3. PTI leader Asghar Chaudhry Criticized the Election Commission Stating that Such a Commission was Never Seen even during the Martial Law era.
Read more: Imran Khan Petitions Supreme Court Against IHC Decision on Toshakhana Case: Battle for Political Eligibility Intensifies
In a Separate Development the Peshawar High Court Revoked the stay order and Restored the ECP’s decision to declare PTI’s intra-Party Polls null and Void, Stripping the Party of its Election Symbol the bat. The ECP’s order on December 22 had declared PTI’s intra-party polls illegal, leading to the suspension of the ‘bat’ symbol. The review Petition filed by the ECP was Successful in overturning the Stay Order.
Read more: Imran Khan Declares No Compromise, Ready to Face Legal Battle
The ECP has Adjourned the Hearing on the Contempt Case until January 16 marking a Significant Development in the legal Proceedings against Imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry.
