Islamabad court grants police 2-day physical remand of PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry.

An Islamabad district and sessions court on Wednesday night granted police two-day physical remand of PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry, hours after he was arrested for 'inciting violence against a constitutional institution'.

Duty Magistrate Naveed Khan announced the reserved verdict, adjourning the hearing till January 27 (Friday). The investigating officer had sought eight-day physical remand of the former minister but the request was rejected.

The former federal minister was taken into custody early Wednesday morning after a first information report (FIR) against him was registered at Islamabad's Kohsar police station by an official of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for 'threatening' the electoral body's members and their families.

Key developments:

Fawad arrested from outside his residence early Wednesday morning

FIR registered by ECP official at Islamabad's Kohsar police station for 'inciting violence against a constitutional institution'

Lahore Cantt court allows police to take Fawad to Islamabad

Fawad says if criticism is rebellion then the entire nation should rebel; his wife calls on CJP to take suo motu notice of arrest

LHC dismisses plea challenging Fawad's arrest

Islamabad court approves Fawad's 2-day physical remand

According to Fawad's brother, Faisal, the former federal minister was 'taken away' in four cars that did not have any number plates at 5:30am. Faisal said that the family was unaware of Fawad's location at the time.

'We are also not being given any details of the FIR registered against him,' he said. Faisal, who is also a prominent lawyer, termed his brother's arrest 'illegal' and asserted that he will fight this battle in court.

The PTI leader was later brought to Lahore's Cantt court where the judicial magistrate granted police Fawad's transit remand.

Later in the day, Islamabad police presented Fawad before Duty Magistrate Naveed Khan and sought his physical remand for eight days. The prosecutor told the court that authorities needed Fawad's phone and his laptop, adding that the politician's custody was required for conducting a photogrammetric test and a voice match.

During the hearing, ECP lawyer 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).

The lawyer argued that the ECP was a constitutional body, adding that the regime change narrative had been formed under a well-thought out plan. 'Fawad Chaudhry damaged the ECP's reputation by making threatening statements.'

Hasan added that Fawad's remarks were aimed at inciting one group against the other. He contended that the ECP had received many threatening letters. 'The purpose of Fawad's speech was to promote hatred against the commission.'

He further said that Fawad had not apologised for his remarks and was still standing by them, adding that there was a lot of 'electronic proof' present against the politician.

On the other hand, the PTI leader requested the judge to dismiss the case registered against him, arguing that the FIR was not in accordance with the law.

'They have charged me with sedition for doing criticism. If this happens, then democracy and freedom of expression will cease to exist.'

He said that whatever he says is on the PTI's behalf. 'I am the party's spokesperson. Whatever I say is my party's policy. It is not necessary that what I say is my personal opinion.'

Fawad further said that he 'was not making a speech and what giving a media talk', adding that his remarks were 'quoted incorrectly'.

The PTI leader said he was arrested in Lahore and his mobile phone was also seized. Later, he was handed over the Islamabad police.

'I am a senior lawyer, a parliamentarian and a spokesperson for the PTI. I am not a terrorist that I was...