Pakistan’s election body defers Imran, Fawad’s indictment in contempt case

Islamabad, Dec 19: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday once again deferred the indictment of ex-premier Imran Khan and former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry in a case pertaining to contempt of the electoral body and the chief election commissioner (CEC). A four-member bench of the ECP arrived at the Adiala Jail on Tuesday, where both Imran and Fawad are incarcerated, to charge sheet the politicians.
Imran, 71, has been in jail since August 5, when he was arrested after a conviction in the Toshakhana case.
The ECP on December 6 decided to conduct Imran and Fawad’s jail trial in light of the interior ministry’s denial to produce the former premier before the commission, citing security concerns.
Last year, the electoral body had initiated contempt proceedings against the PTI chief, former party leader Asad Umar and Fawad for allegedly using “intemperate” language against the chief election commissioner and the electoral watchdog.
However, instead of appearing before the ECP, the three had challenged the ECP notices and contempt proceedings in various high courts arguing that Section 10 of the Elections Act 2017, which is the statutory provision regarding the commission’s power to punish for contempt, was against the Constitution.
Pakistan won’t compromise on national security with aliens: Interim PM
Islamabad, Dec 19: Pakistan’s interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said the country currently stood at the crossroads of history, insisting that it could no longer continue to compromise its national security by accommodating a massive number of undocumented and illegal immigrants termed as “aliens”.
In an article written for the Telegraph newspaper, Kakar said that the goal was to build as better and safer country that benefits its own people. “Our ultimate aim is to build a safer, more peaceful and prosperous Pakistan – with associated benefits for out own people, for the region, and the wider world.” (Agencies)