Court approves two-day physical remand of Fawad Chaudhry 

• Fawad Chaudhry was presented before a court in Islamabad
• Court approves two-day physical remand of PTI leader
• Police had sought eight-day physical remand

ISLAMABAD: An district and sessions court on Wednesday approved two days physical remand of senior PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry, Bol News reported.

The session court in Sector F-8 of the federal capital announced its verdict on a police request seeking the physical remand of the PTI leader in a case in which he allegedly made disparaging remarks against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Islamabad police presented Fawad Chaudhry before Judge Naveed Khan and sought his physical remand for eight days. Police had brought Fawad from Lahore after receiving his transit remand after a case was registered against him.

The state prosecutor told the court that authorities need Fawad’s phone and laptop. He said the politician’s custody was required for conducting a photogrammetric test and a voice match.

During the hearing, ECP’s counsel Saad Hasan read out the contents of the FIR. He contended that the PTI leader had termed the electoral watchdog to be a munshi (clerk). He argued that the ECP was a constitutional body and Fawad damaged the ECP’s reputation by making threatening statements.

The lawyer said Fawad’s remarks were aimed at inciting one group against the other. He contended that the ECP had received many threatening letters. He further said that Fawad had not apologized for his remarks and there was “electronic proof” present against him.

Fawad Chaudhry appeared before the court and requested the judge to dismiss the case registered against him.

He argued the FIR was not in accordance with the law while he was charged with sedition for merely expressing his opinion which can  affect democratic freedoms in the country.

Fawad said he is the party’s spokesperson and his remarks are the party policy and not necessarily his personal opinion. He  further said that he was not making a speech but addressing the media while his remarks were quoted incorrectly and out of context.

The PTI leader said he was arrested in Lahore and his mobile phone was also confiscated and later he was handed over to the Islamabad police.

“I am a senior lawyer, a parliamentarian and a spokesperson for the PTI. I am not a terrorist that I was detained in the Counter Terrorism Department,” he said, arguing that his arrest was illegal.

Fawad’s lawyers Ali Bukhari and Qaiser Imam also presented their arguments before the court. Bukhari said that the FIR against Fawad should have been registered in Lahore. He said the case is registered where the alleged crime took place.

Lawyer Qaiser Imam said the court should examine which charges were applicable in the case. He questioned whether a case could be registered at someone’s behest.

He further said that case did not fall within the jurisdiction of the Kohsar police station as Fawad did not make the remarks in Islamabad.

After hearing the arguments, the judge announced the reserved verdict and announced to present Fawad on January 27.

Meanwhile, Fawad was sent to PIMS for medical treatment where he was declared healthy. A heavy contingent of police was deployed outside the hospital.

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