Non-bailable warrants issued against Imran Khan

Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday issued non-bailable warrants against Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan in contempt of court case.

The ECP has rejected Imran Khan’s reply that was earlier submitted and issued orders to the authorities to present him before the commission on October 26 by arresting him. The PTI chief has also been directed to submit a reply in the petition that was filed against him by Akbar S. Babar.

PTI leader Babar Awan declared the ECP decision unconstitutional and said the party will file a petition in Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the verdict. He said the decision was hastily announced without determining the jurisdictions. He added that ECP was targeting Imran Khan. He said all the parties had claimed rigging in the 2013 elections but no action was taken.

Babar Awan also asked the question that why former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was not disqualified by ECP. “Pakistan immediately needs a fresh mandate,” he maintained.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sardar Raza Khan had made it clear during the previous hearing that ECP would announce its decision on October 12 if IHC did not issue the verdict regarding the petition against Imran Khan in the Islamabad High Court on the same issue.

Meanwhile on Thursday, Federal Minister leader Daniyal Aziz said that they will present Imran Khan in the ECP after arresting him. Speaking to reporters here, Mr Aziz said that Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had pledged that they will arrest Mr Khan if ECP issues his arrest warrants. He lashed out at his opponents and said that only Nawaz Sharif was held accountable among the 450 people named in Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq’s list.

Separately on Thursday, opposition leader Khurshid Shah advised Imran Khan to appear in the ECP in the next hearing. In a statement, Khurshid Shah said that Imran Khan should respect government institutions and ensure his appearance in ECP.