The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday issued non-bailable arrest warrant of former information minister Fawad Chaudhry in the contempt case. A five-member bench, headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan, heard the case. At the outset of the hearing, Fawad Chaudry’s lawyer pleaded the top electoral body to adjourn the case as the Islamabad High Court (IHC) is expected to give a ruling in the case in a couple of days.
An official of the Islamabad police told the bench that he had visited the former minister’s residence to execute the warrants but he was not available.
At one point, an ECP member remarked neither Mr Chaudhry had come to attend the hearing nor had he filed any exemption plea.
After hearing arguments, the ECP bench rejected the plea made by the former minister’s lawyer and issued arrest warrant. It adjourned the hearing till July 20.
The ECP had initiated contempt proceedings against the PTI chief and party leaders Asad Umar and Fawad Chaudhry for issuing statements against the electoral body and the chief election commissioner.
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