ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Tuesday expressed indignation over the absence of the leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from the hearing of a contempt case against them.

The ECP had summoned PTI Chairman Imran Khan, Asad Umar and Fawad Chaudhry in person for the hearing of a contempt of election commission case. A four-member bench, headed by ECP’s Sindh Member Nisar Durrani, conducted hearing on the case. Naveed Anjum Advocate appeared before the bench on behalf of the PTI.

“We had summoned the accused in person for today’s hearing,” said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) member. “Why don’t we issue a warrant [for not appearing before the bench]?” questioned the Sindh member. “The Sindh High Court (SHC) has stopped the final decision regarding Asad Umar only,” the Balochistan member stated. The advocate demanded from the bench to give a date, adding that Anwar Mansoor would himself appear on the appointed date and give arguments.

“Faisal Chaudhry is also busy in the high court,” he added. “It is not our responsibility that someone is busy somewhere,” the KP member said. “We will issue an appropriate order on this. Respect for the law is the duty of everyone. You give no importance to the ECP,” the Balochistan member expressed indignation.

“With the help of this institution, you reach the Prime Minister’s House, but you do not [like to] appear before it,” the KP member remarked. “No one can take away the powers of the ECP that are mentioned in the Constitution,” the Balochistan member stated. “Those who sit on the big chairs consider this commission a lower court,” the KP member deplored. The bench then adjourned hearing on the case till October 26, 2022.