South Asia

Pakistan's election body issues arrest warrant against Imran Khan

Published: 14:28, 25 July 2023

Pakistan's Election Commission has taken a significant legal step by issuing a non-bailable arrest warrant against former Premier Imran Khan.

This latest case adds to the growing number of legal challenges faced by Khan since his removal as prime minister in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April of the previous year. Notably, Imran Khan was granted bail by the Supreme Court in a separate case on the same day the arrest warrant was issued.
Having accumulated over 150 cases, including charges of "terrorism," Khan's legal battles have been mounting since his tenure as prime minister came to an end. The arrest warrant was specifically issued in Islamabad, citing Khan's contempt of the Election Commission's proceedings and his repeated failure to appear before the commission despite prior notices and bailable warrants.
Imran Khan's political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, released an image of the warrant, confirming its receipt at Khan's residence in Lahore by a member of his legal team. The Election Commission had called upon Chairman Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan, to appear before them on July 25, to address the charges brought against him.
The accusations against the 70-year-old politician revolve around his alleged use of 'intemperate language and contemptuous remarks' against the Election Commission, intensifying the legal scrutiny he currently faces.