The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday has reserved its decision with regards to PTI chief’s Imran Khan reply that challenged the commission’s authority to initiate contempt of court proceedings against him.
A five-member tribunal of the ECP, headed by the chief election commissioner, had been hearing the petition that was filed by Akbar S Babar, seeking Khan’s disqualification.
The verdict will be announced on August 10 by ECP. Imran Khan, in the previous hearing, had raised the objection that the ECP does have the authority to initiate contempt of court proceedings. The right, he argues rests only with the Supreme Court and the high courts.
During today’s proceedings, Khan’s legal counsel Babar Awan argued before the tribunal that the right to initiate the contempt of court proceedings rests with the court.
“If the ECP is equal to a high court, will a full-bench conduct proceedings every day?” Awan asked, arguing that the Constitution gives the ECP a different status from that enjoyed by the high courts.
“If a full bench of the ECP gives a verdict, where will I file my appeal?” asked the counsel.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer requested the ECP to initiate contempt of court proceedings against Khan by issuing a show-cause notice to him.