Ecp Seeks Pta Report After Imran Khan Misses Hearing Over ‘internet Issues’

Posted on October 22, 2024 by News Desk

Ecp Seeks Pta Report After Imran Khan Misses Hearing Over ‘internet Issues’

ECP Seeks Report on Internet Issues in Adiala Jail Amid Imran Khan’s Absence from Video Hearing

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken action after internet disruptions at Adiala Jail prevented incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan from appearing via video link for his contempt of election commission case hearing. The ECP has formally requested a report from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regarding the issues with internet connectivity in the jail.

The Hearing and Internet Disruptions

The hearing took place on Tuesday, with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan’s legal team, including Shoaib Shaheen and Faisal Chaudhry, present alongside jail authorities. The ECP’s legal representatives questioned the prison officials about the failure to establish a video link. In response, the jail authorities explained that the internet service in Adiala Jail had been disrupted.

Shoaib Shaheen, representing the PTI chief, requested that the ECP allow a meeting between Imran Khan and his legal team. However, the ECP declined, stating that such an arrangement was outside their jurisdiction. Faisal Chaudhry raised concerns about Imran Khan’s well-being, suggesting that the commission visit the jail, as the internet problem might take longer to resolve.

In response, the ECP assured that the matter would be addressed promptly and adjourned the hearing until November 5, while also directing the PTA to provide a detailed report on the internet issues in the jail.

Previous Developments and Legal Proceedings

In a related development, the Accountability Court, under Judge Nasir Javed Rana, adjourned the hearing on the £190 million reference case against Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, until October 22. Imran Khan’s legal team, including Usman Riaz Gul, Faisal Farid Chaudhry, and Khalid Yousuf, attended the hearing. The defense team urged the court to allow Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to appear via video link, citing difficulties in meeting the couple since October 3. Judge Rana instructed the defense to submit a written request, and the hearing was adjourned.

Additionally, an anti-terrorism court adjourned a hearing related to bail applications filed by Imran Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan. Judge Raja Jawad Abbas Hasan, who was not the duty judge for the case, deferred the bail decision until a later date.

The Growing Concerns Around Imran Khan’s Well-being

Imran Khan’s legal team continues to express concern over his well-being due to the prolonged absence of proper communication between him and his legal representatives. They insist that the issue of the internet disruptions in the jail be resolved promptly to ensure that the legal proceedings continue smoothly. The situation remains tense, with both political and legal implications as the ECP continues to investigate the matter.

The hearing’s adjournment and pending report from PTA highlight the ongoing complexities in the legal proceedings involving Imran Khan, who remains at the center of multiple high-profile cases in Pakistan.

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