Imran threatens to punish ECP members with treason when he takes back control.

Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, has declared his intention to pursue treason charges against the leadership of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) if he regains power. This announcement came during a contempt proceeding held behind closed doors in Adiala Jail, where charges were being framed against Khan.

Late on Wednesday, the ECP indicted Khan in a case related to contempt, citing baseless allegations made by him and other leaders of his party on multiple occasions. Fawad Chaudhry, a former member of Khan's party who has since left, was also named as a co-accused, and charges were framed against him as well.

During the proceeding, an official reported that Khan initially seemed unaware of the nature of the court session or intentionally feigned ignorance. However, as the session progressed, he began challenging the authority of the ECP members conducting the court. Nisar Ahmed Durrani, a member from Sindh, presided over the proceedings.

Khan questioned the legitimacy of the charges against him, stating, "Who are you to frame charges against me?" He proceeded to make threats, invoking Article 6, and later questioned why the ECP had not conducted elections within the stipulated 90 days. ECP members chose to remain silent in response, with one member humorously suggesting that Khan was providing material for another contempt case.

Sources revealed that Khan ignored Fawad Chaudhry during the proceedings, and Chaudhry is currently in the custody of NAB Rawalpindi, brought to Adiala Jail when required. The present contempt case stems from PTI's criticisms of the ECP and its leadership in October 2022. Despite attempts by PTI leaders to delay the process through court stays, the Supreme Court of Pakistan vacated the stays in January of the following year, allowing the ECP to proceed with charges.

During the hearing, witnesses confirmed that Khan expressed anger and made objectionable remarks, particularly targeting two ECP members. He accused them of moral corruption and claimed to have evidence against them. Despite his desperate and unhappy demeanor, the ECP members remained composed. The source claimed that Khan threatened to pursue high treason charges against the ECP members upon returning to power.

According to the charge sheet, both Imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry were accused of engaging in a planned defamatory campaign against the Election Commission in 2022, using biased and derogatory language. The indictment highlighted instances where the accused used unparliamentary language and made fabricated allegations against the Election Commission and its head during public meetings in July and August 2022. The charges recommend initiating a trial against the accused under the Elections Act, 2017, based on videos, documents, and required evidence.