In a dramatic turn of events, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday issued arrest warrants against prominent leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, including its chief Imran Khan, Asad Umar, and Fawad Chaudhry, in a contempt case.
The contempt case stems from a notice issued by the ECP last August, which accused the PTI leaders of insulting the commission and its chief during public meetings, press conferences, and interviews.
On Tuesday, the bench rejected the PTI leaders' pleas for exemption, and instead ordered them to appear before the commission on January 17 for the next hearing.
This development marks a significant escalation in tensions between the PTI and the ECP, and raises questions about the party's ability to campaign for the upcoming general elections in a fair and unbiased environment.
In reaction to the development of the arrest warrants, Asad Umar stated that instead of fulfilling its responsibilities, the ECP has indulged in actions that show contempt of court.
“They themselves are guilty of contempt of court by not holding Islamabad elections,” he said.
PTI politician and former cabinet minister Fawad Chaudhry said that he would challenge the warrants in the high court and file a contempt plea against the ECP.
"The ECP's decision to issue arrest warrants is contemptuous of the high court's decision," Chaudhry declared, adding that the case was scheduled for January 17 and that the verdict was announced in violation of the rules.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been accusing the ECP of partiality since his ouster from power in April of last year. He has held numerous public rallies across the country, calling for immediate general and provincial elections.