Security Risk
ISLAMABAD: The Interior Ministry conveyed to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) that bringing the imprisoned PTI chief before the electoral authority’s bench poses a security risk.
The Interior Ministry and the Islamabad Capital Territory Police warned the ECP about potential “security concerns” in presenting Imran Khan before the bench on October 24.
The ECP official stated, “They have duly informed the commission and expounded on the potential risks associated with ensuring the PTI chairman’s presence during the ECP bench hearing.”
Earlier, the electoral watchdog had issued production orders for the former Prime Minister, who had been removed from office following a no-confidence motion in April 2022, in connection with the contempt cases.
This action was taken to facilitate the issuance of a charge sheet.
A four-member bench, led by ECP Member Sindh Nisar Ahmad Durrani, issued separate yet nearly identical orders for Imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry, a former high-ranking member of the PTI. Both individuals were scheduled to be formally charged on October 24.
In the case of Chaudhary, the commission also issued bailable arrest warrants and directed the relevant Inspector General of Police (IGP) to serve them.
Imran Khan, the PTI chairman, is presently held in Adiala jail and is facing trial under the Official Secrets Act. A special court is conducting the proceedings within the jail premises due to security concerns.
Meanwhile, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif is scheduled to appear in the accountability court and Islamabad High Court regarding his protective bail in different cases.
PMLN leader is appearing before accountability court judge Muhammad Bashir in the Toshakhana case.
Last week, Judge Muhammad Bashir granted interim bail to Nawaz Sharif in this case till October 24, 2023.
Meanwhile, elder Sharif is appearing in the Islamabad High Court that gave him protective bail till 24th of October in the Al Azizia and Avenfield references of NAB.
Earlier, former prime minister left his Jati Umrah residence with a VIP protocol to reach Islamabad as he is supposed to appear before the courts on Tuesday. Nawaz Sharif will appear before the courts in connection with the Toshakhana case and NAB’s references in the Al Azizia and Avenfield cases.
