Fawad Chaudhry Appeals Islamabad HC Over Non-Bailable Arrest Warrant

Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Fawad Chaudhry has recently challenged the non-bailable arrest warrant issued against him by the Election Commission of Pakistan at the Islamabad High Court.

The warrant was issued in relation to a contempt case filed against him.

The ECP convened a 5-member commission, presided over by the Chief Election Commissioner, to hear the case. The commission took action against Fawad Chaudhry due to his absence from the hearing related to the ECP contempt case.

During the proceedings, Fawad’s lawyer requested an adjournment, stating that the High Court would soon decide on the case.

However, the ECP inquired whether Fawad would appear that day, to which his attorney reiterated the High Court’s forthcoming decision and requested an adjournment.

Despite the plea made by Fawad’s counsel, the ECP rejected the argument and issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against him in the contempt case, without the possibility of bail. As a result, the case hearing has been postponed until July 28.

The contempt case originated from notices issued by the ECP in August 2022. Fawad Chaudhry, along with others, was accused of using “intemperate” language against the Chief Election Commissioner, Sikander Sultan Raja, and the electoral watchdog.

During the hearing of the contempt case, Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja made the decision to issue the non-bailable arrest warrant against Fawad Chaudhry due to his repeated absence.

Fawad Chaudhry’s move to challenge the non-bailable arrest warrant at the Islamabad High Court indicates his intent to contest the ECP’s decision. The upcoming hearing at the High Court will determine the course of action in this matter.

Last month on Saturday, Islamabad district and session court deferred the indictment of former Information and Broadcasting Minister Fawad Chaudhry in the sedition case.