Fawad Chaudhry’s arrest for threatening Election Commission of Pakistan is a contempt proceeding or a political revenge

 

PTI’s leader and former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry was arrested from his residence on 24 January 2023 in allegation of threating Election Commission of Pakistan. 

In a media talk (outside Imran's residence in Zaman Park), he directly targeted those members and families of ECP who appointed the caretaker government in Punjab. 

Firsts Investigation Report (FIR): 

Secretary of ECP Umar Hameed Khan registered an FIR against Fawad Chaudhry which was confirmed by Koshar police station on his arrest. 

He has the charged of sedition (Section124-A), promotion of enmity among different groups (Section 153-A), attempt of public mischief (Section 505) and Criminal intimidation (section 506). 

The report added that Fawad Chaudhry called ECP has become the status of “MUNSHI” (clerk). 

Petition against Fawad’s arrest in LHC: 

Fawad’s advocate Muhammad Ahmad Pansota filled the petition that challenged Fawad’s arrest declared to be “Illegal and Unlawful Confinement”. 

Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh proceeded with this petition and ordered the IG’s of Punjab & Islamabad and Fawad to appear before the court. 

In final decision LHC dismissed the plea that was challenging the arrest of Fawad. 

Justice Tariq remarked that the arrest was not illegal as an FIR was confirmed in Koshar station. 

He further added that PTI’s leader may approach the relevant court (Islamabad court) for further proceedings. 

PTI’s reaction: 

In a tweet, the Chairman of PTI Imran Khan condemn Fawad arrest and said Pakistan has become a “Banana republic” and devoid the rule of law. 

Former Minister Shireen Mazari called the statement of Fawad an act of criticism on ECP and put a question that how criticism is a violence? 

PTI’s Ali Haider Zaidi called; “the government pushing the country towards anarchy”. 

In a fact Fawad called his arrest as; “it seemed that James Bonds is presenting before the court". And he feels ‘proud’ that he has been the charge of sedition just like Nelson Mandala. 

PTI claimed it a political revenge because Chief ECP is a servant of PMLN and the case against Fawad is just a threat of revenge. 

PMLN’s reaction: 

In a program Aj Shahzeb Khanzada kay Sath, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said, “today Imran khan’s voice registered fear". He denied the government involvement in Fawad’s arrest. 

He further added that we will not abuse the law just like Imran Khan and protect the members of ECP from threat. 

In a press conference PMLN leader Abid Sher Ali said that there is a big difference between Nelson Mandala and Fawad as he (Fawad) was booked in charge of sedition and there was no political motive behind the arrest of Fawad. 

Special Assistance to Prime Minister Ata Tarar said; “Fawad has to Tender the Apologize to ECP for threatening them. 

Conclusion: 

On one hand PTI claimed the arrest of Fawad as political revenge. According to them Fawad Chaudhry was just criticizing the ECP. 

On the other hand, PMLN and other allies quoted a settled example of Nihal Hashmi that was declared disqualified for five years and also sent to imprisonment in sedition case.