Code of conduct violation: ECP adjourns hearing against Imran until Feb 21

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of case related to violation of code of conduct against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan. A three-member bench of the ECP headed by member Punjab Altaf Qureshi heard the case. In today’s hearing, Babar Awan, the counsel of Imran Khan appeared before the tribunal. Presenting his arguments, Babar Awan said that the similar case was being heard by Islamabad High Court (IHC). He said that the IHC had barred the ECP from issuing verdict in a matter wherein Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan is alleged of violating the ECP’s election code of conduct during by-polls in Punjab. After hearing the arguments, the ECP adjourned the hearing till February 21. Earlier, the IHC judge after hearing all the arguments by the PTI lawyers, issued a stay order barring ECP from taking any action against the PTI leader until any further notice. Babar Awan, the counsel of PTI chairman Imran Khan said that those politicians who are public office holders are not allowed to participate in election campaigns under Article 260, however, Imran Khan is not a public office-holder. The court later adjourned the hearing of the case until February 12. Imran has been put on trial for violating the ECP’s conduct in public gatherings at Jehlum and Sahiwal, just before the NA-120 by-poll this year. Earlier on Nov 15, as the hearing in the case began, the PTI counsel had asked the ECP to adjourn the hearing against the Imran till the IHC hearing on the case on Nov 29. Earlier on December 4, the ECP had adjourned the hearing of the code of conduct violation case against Imran Khan. Imran Khan’s counsel had informed the ECP that PTI has challenged the ECP’s code of conduct in the Islamabad High Court (IHC). Justice (r) Sardar Muhammad Raza, chief election commissioner, expressed annoyance at the argument, saying that they cannot be running around dates and adjournments. However, ECP adjourned the hearing.