ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday summoned the interior secretary to appear in person on Nov 13 to explain why PTI chief Imran Khan could not be produced for a contempt hearing.

The development came as a four-member ECP bench, led by Sindh member Nisar Ahmed Durrani, conducted a hearing on the matter of contempt of ECP and the chief election commissioner against Mr Khan and two former PTI officials, Fawad Chaudhry and Asad Umar.

While Mr Chaudhry and Mr Umar were present, Mr Khan could not be brought from Adiala Jail to the proceedings — something PTI lawyer Shoaib Shaheen described as the “real insult” to the Election Commission.

The assistant inspector general of police (operations) presented a report suggesting potential risks associated with transporting Mr Khan from the densely populated area of Rawalpindi. The report said the PTI chairman had himself said there were threats to his life. At this, Mr Durrani, the ECP’s member from Sindh, asked the AIG about the credibility of Mr Khan’s claims.

Summons interior secretary over PTI chief’s absence from contempt hearing

When the interior ministry said the ECP should hold the hearing at Adiala Jail, the bench raised concerns over the ministry’s capabilities, asking that if it couldn’t ensure the security of one individual, “how will the upcoming elections be conducted?”

“How can the ministry order the commission? The interior secretary should appear himself,” the ECP observed and adjourned the hearing until Nov 13.

This decision follows the ECP’s recently issued production orders for the jailed PTI chairman in contempt cases.

In the Oct 11 hearing, Advocate Shoaib Shaheen told the commission that Mr Khan was in jail and couldn’t attend the proceedings unless a production order was issued.

On Oct 19, a written order shared with the media emphasised the need for a swift verdict in the case lingering since August last year.

“It is a matter of record that the matter was pending adjudication since August 2022 and has to be decided without any further delay,” the order said.

“Since the respondent is in jail and his personal appearance is mandatory to proceed further with the matter. In such view of the matter, there is no alternate except to issue production order of respondent namely Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi,” it said.

The ECP bench asked the office to convey the directions to the superintendent of Adiala Jail to make all necessary arrangements to produce Mr Khan for the proceedings. The police chiefs of Islamabad and Punjab were also asked to ensure foolproof security for Mr Khan in this regard.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2023