The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Imran Khan, the Chairman of the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) party, on the grounds of contempt. The warrant was issued on July 11 after Imran Khan failed to appear before the ECP as summoned. The contempt case was initiated against Imran Khan, along with PTI leaders Asad Umar and Fawad Chaudhry, for allegedly using disrespectful language against the chief election commissioner and the electoral watchdog.
Imran Khan, Fawad Chaudhry, and Asad Umar challenged the ECP notices and contempt proceedings in various high courts, arguing that the Elections Act 2017, Section 10, which empowers the ECP to punish for contempt, was against the Constitution. However, the Supreme Court allowed the ECP to continue with the proceedings against them in January. On June 21, the ECP decided to frame charges against Imran, Fawad, and Umar in July.
Despite being summoned, none of the three PTI leaders appeared before the commission at the July 11 hearing. As a result, the ECP issued arrest warrants for Fawad and Imran. Imran Khan was served notices and bailable warrants on January 16 and March 2 but failed to comply.
As a consequence, the ECP has now issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Imran Khan, authorizing the Islamabad Inspector General to arrest him and present him before the ECP on July 25 at 10 am.
