Toshakhana case: PTI chief granted one-day exemption from appearance

ISLAMABAD: A district and sessions court in Islamabad granted former prime minister Imran Khan a one-day exemption from appearing in the Toshakhana case, ARY News reported.

Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar heard the case today while Advocate Amjad Pervaiz represented the ECP and Barrister Gohar Ali appeared as Imran’s counsel.

During the hearing, Imran’s counsel filed a request seeking an exemption for his client from attending today’s hearing and its adjournment till Monday (July 24).

At this, the ECP lawyer raised an objection, arguing that “no solid reasons” had been mentioned in the exemption plea.

READ: IHC declares Toshakhana case against PTI chairman inadmissible

The judge expressed his displeasure over the PTI chief’s frequent no-shows when one of Imran’s lawyers objected to the daily hearings of the case.

The ECP lawyer Advocate Pervaiz requested the court to issue directives to ensure Imran’s appearance in court.

“Will the suspect appear in court on Monday?” the judge asked PTI chief lawyer.

To this, Barrister Ali answered that Imran would be appearing in the Supreme Court on Monday in lawyer murder case.

ADSJ Dilawal then responded that the former premier could appear in this court after appearing in the apex court.

The court then accepted Imran’s plea and ordered that the PTI chief’s attendance must be ensured on Monday (July 24).

Toshakhana reference

The reference, which alleges that Imran failed to share details of the gifts he retained from the Toshaskhana (during his time as the prime minister) was filed by lawmakers from the ruling coalition last year.

The Toshakhana issue became a major sticking point in national politics after the Election Commission of Pakistan disqualified the PTI chief for making “false statements and incorrect declaration” last month.

The judgement added that the former premier was found to be indulged in corrupt practices under sections 167 and 173 of the constitution. “A criminal proceeding will be initiated against him over filing a false statement.”

“His disqualification under Article 63, 1(P) has been for his current parliament membership”, the ECP said in its 36-page detailed judgment of the reference.

“The amount in his bank account was around half of the value of the state gifts. PTI chief was bound to declare the cash and bank details in his returns but he didn’t declare it,” ECP decision read.

“Imran Khan being declared disqualified and unseated from his National Assembly seat,” the ECP said, adding: “He has been disqualified under Article 63, 1(P), over submitting a false statement and declaration”.

Following this, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had launched probe against former prime minister Imran Khan in Toshakhana case on March 9.