ECP rejects Imran’s reply in contempt of court case

Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) rejected on Wednesday Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s reply in a contempt of court case.

The ECP then ordered Imran Khan to submit a new reply by June 7, observing that the PTI chief has a chance to change his current reply.

Earlier, PTI counsel Fawad Chaudhry submitted Khan’s reply to the court after which the bench reserved its verdict in the case. 

Chaudhry argued that the contempt of court case is based on a misunderstanding. In response, Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Sardar Muhammad Raza asked Chaudhry to look at the reply he has submitted. 

“Imran Khan has withdrawn the review request but has still not apologised,” Justice (retd) Raza pointed out.

Chaudhry replied that the person who drafted the reply did mean to apologise.

“We have recognised all those who have apologised to us,” said Justice (retd) Raza.

However, he remarked that it is possible that the lawyer did not read the court’s notice properly.

“You are giving the lawyer a benefit of the doubt but not to Imran Khan,” comaplined Chaudhry.

A former leader of the PTI, Akbar Babar, had filed a case against the party leader for casting aspersions against the ECP, following which the body issued a notice to Khan. 

The court was adjourned till June 7. 

PTI funding case: Party challenges ECP's jurisdiction in IHC

The PTI challenged on Wednesday the ECP's jurisdiction in the party’s illegal funding case.

On PTI’s behalf, Barrister Anwar Mansoor submitted a petition to the Islamabad High Court. The ECP and Babar have been named as respondents in the petition.

The petition states that hearing of the PTI funding case does not fall within the jurisdiction of the ECP. It also requested that the ECP’s May 8 verdict be suspended.

*With additional input by Awais Yousufzai