PTI Chairman Imran Khan speaking to the press outside the ECP on Thursday. Photo: Geo News

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said on Thursday that his criticism of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was meant to make the institution stronger, and at no time did he intend to defame or degrade it.

Speaking to the media after the ECP concluded the contempt proceedings against him, the PTI chief said that the purpose of his criticism was to make the ECP a credible institution and it was not a personal attack on any institution?s representative.

?We want to see a strong ECP,? he said, adding, ?We gave a 126-day dharna [protest] to ensure free and transparent elections. Criticism is part of democracy, and the statements were a reaction to my arrest warrants.?

The PTI chief said that the process of formation of ECP should be open and transparent, and the consultation should not be limited only to the government and opposition.

He said that it is in the interest of the country that the prestige of the ECP is recognised in the country.

Earlier, the ECP concluded the contempt cases against Imran after he submitted apologies before the bench. 

The PTI chairman was accused of issuing contemptuous remarks against the ECP at two separate occasions: in January this year and later in September.