The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday asked the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to provide a report on the internet services in Adiala Jail, following Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s failure to appear via video link in a contempt case hearing. The hearing pertains to charges of contempt against the Election Commission and the chief election commissioner, stemming from Khan’s media appearances since August 2022.
Imran Khan’s legal team, including Shoaib Shaheen and Faisal Chaudhry, along with jail authorities, appeared before the ECP bench, where they cited a disruption in the jail’s internet service as the reason for Khan’s non-appearance. The ECP’s counsel pressed the prison officials for an explanation regarding the lack of video link facilities, which was attributed to ongoing internet issues at Adiala Jail.
Shoaib Shaheen requested that the Election Commission permit a meeting between the PTI chief and his legal team, but the commission declined, stating that such an allowance fell outside its jurisdiction. Faisal Chaudhry raised concerns about Imran Khan’s well-being and suggested that the ECP visit the jail, noting that the internet problem may not be resolved soon.
The ECP bench, led by Member Sindh Nisar Ahmad Durrani, assured the legal team that the issue would be addressed and adjourned the hearing until November 5, with a directive for the PTA to submit a report on the jail’s internet situation.
In another development, the ECP continued hearings on PTI’s intra-party elections case, instructing petitioners to share copies of their applications with the party. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and petitioner Akbar S. Babar attended the session, with Gohar highlighting that the Lahore High Court had restrained the ECP from issuing a final order in the case. The commission adjourned the matter until November 14.
In a separate case, the Election Commission directed the Punjab chief secretary to ensure the completion of relevant legislation within six weeks to pave the way for local government elections. The ECP was briefed that 99% of the work on the Draft Local Government Act had been completed, but additional time was required to finalize the legislation.
Similarly, the interior secretary informed the commission about amendments to the Islamabad Local Government Act 2015, which will be submitted for approval. The ECP emphasized the need for the legislative process to be completed promptly to ensure timely local government elections.
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