The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is considering the possibility of conducting Imran Khan's contempt trial within the confines of a prison.

On Thursday, an Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) tribunal suggested the likelihood of holding the contempt trial of Imran Khan, the chairman of PTI and former prime minister, within Adiala Jail where he is presently held. This indication was based on an interior ministry report citing security concerns.

Dec 1, 2023 - 14:48
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The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is considering the possibility of conducting Imran Khan's contempt trial within the confines of a prison.

During the tribunal hearing, Nasir Durrani, an ECP Sindh member, informed Imran Khan's lawyer, Shoaib Shaheen, that the interior ministry had submitted a report stating that Imran could not be presented before any court or tribunal due to security concerns. The ministry recommended the ECP to send a team to the prison for framing charges against the former premier. However, the commission has yet to reach a decision on the matter.

Shaheen, the PTI chairman's lawyer, expressed his lack of access to the previous hearing's order and the interior ministry's report, despite submitting an application. He requested a copy of the ministry's report, and Durrani assured him that it would be provided. Shaheen raised concerns about the negative public impression of holding a trial in jail, to which Durrani urged him not to worry and let the commission fulfill its duty.

ECP Balochistan member Shah Muhammad Jatoi emphasized that the commission would focus on the law rather than the accused, stating that the PTI had previously intentionally not produced its chief before the ECP. Asad Umar appeared before the tribunal and mentioned quitting politics, but an ECP member encouraged him to continue. Umar submitted his written response, while Fawad Chaudhry did not appear.

The tribunal adjourned the hearing until December 6. Shaheen, after the proceedings, expressed dissatisfaction with not receiving a copy of the interior ministry's report and raised concerns about the transparency of future general elections. He also accused the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) of facilitating PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif. Imran Khan's trial in the Toshakhana, cipher, and £190 million settlement case is already taking place in Adiala Jail due to security concerns, initiated by the ECP for contempt proceedings against Imran, Umar, and Fawad last year.

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