ISLAMABAD: Railways Minister Azam Swati on Friday apologised to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for his remarks against the electoral watchdog and the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja.

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The minister did not attend the hearing in person, but his lawyer, Barrister Ali Zafar, submitted an apology letter on his behalf to the ECP today.

Swati and Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry had launched a tirade against the ECP in September. The railways minister had levelled serious allegations of rigging and taking bribes against the electoral watchdog. Swati had also raised questions over the appointment of the CEC.

The ECP had issued show-case notices to both PTI leaders on the matter. 

Last month, Chaudhry had apologised to the ECP for his tirade against the electoral watchdog and the CEC.

Swati failed to appear in the last hearing on the matter as well when his co-counsel had requested more time to submit a reply.

In today’s hearing, ECP member Shah Muhammed Jatoi complained that the federal minister was summoned over his contemptuous remarks but he did not appear.

Barrister Zafar replied that his client had submitted a request seeking exemption from his appearance as he had to go to Quetta because of an emergency.

Jatoi said that the ECP was fulfilling its responsibilities, and it did not want to get embroiled in politics. 

The election commission had a crucial role in ensuring democracy in the country, said Barrister Zafar

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Adjourned the hearing till December 22, the ECP on Friday gave two-week time to Swati to appear before it.