PTI challenges ECP’s jurisdiction in contempt of court case

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) legal counsel Babar Awan remarked on Monday that Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) does not have jurisdiction to hear contempt of court cases, while presenting initial arguments in case against party chief Imran Khan.

A five-member ECP bench, led by Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Sardar Muhammad Raza, was hearing the case pertaining to contempt of court by Imran Khan over the petition filed by Akbar S Babar.

During the proceedings on Monday, Babar Awan argued that only Supreme Court and high courts have the jurisdiction over contempt of court case.

Responding to this, the petitioner’s lawyer asked for a few days to submit a reply to this. The hearing was adjourned till July 19.

Speaking to the media, PTI’s Spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry pointed out that the arguments of party’s legal counsel have been formed on technical points. “We want ECP to accept our plea,” he remarked.

Countering statements of political opponents, he said that they are spreading false information in the media.

Adding to this, Babar Awan said “we have filed a lawful answer” while speaking to the media. 

"There is no case in which Imran Khan can be disqualified from contesting elections," he claimed. “There is a lot of difference between Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif. Imran Khan’s family is not facing any corruption charges.”

Opponents react

PTI is coming first from the bottom, remarked Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) Daniyal Aziz while lashing out at Imran Khan in front of media.

Time and again, Imran Khan has failed to submit reply in all the cases against him, he remarked, adding that Imran Khan attacks state’s institutions, PM House, ECP and expects that no action will be taken against him.

“Pakistani people are very smart. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating them. Everyone knows how corrupt Imran Khan really is,” he remarked.

Moreover, PML-N leader Talal Chaudhry claimed that Imran has insulted the court not once or twice but multiple times, adding that PTI chief is known for his corruption.

Imran Khan expects to hold people accountable for three past three generations but not one should ask anything from him, he said.