ISLAMABAD – Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to restore its reputation by granting 41 National Assembly seats to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
“The Election Commission should take concrete action and restore its reputation by giving 41 seats to PTI,” Chaudhry said during his appearance at the ECP headquarters in Islamabad.
Chaudhry appeared before a four-member ECP bench headed by Nisar Durrani for a contempt case against him and PTI founder Imran Khan. The contempt proceedings, initiated in August 2022, were due to alleged insults directed at the commission and its chief during public meetings and interviews.
Chaudhry apologized again to the ECP, which charged him and Khan with contempt. The commission directed him to submit a written apology.
Chaudhry’s brother and lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, represented him, while PTI’s lawyer Shoaib Shaheen was absent due to commitments at the high court. Faisal requested the commission to review the charges against Khan as well, noting that the Islamabad High Court had suspended the charge framing.
Chaudhry emphasized that both he and Khan seek forgiveness and wish to submit written apologies. He also criticized the ECP for alleged discrimination against PTI.
The ECP members responded, advising Chaudhry to apologize for his emotional outbursts. The commission postponed the case until September 4.