In an attempt to reverse his disqualification by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has challenged the verdict of the trial court in the Toshakhana case at the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
In the plea, Khan’s legal team argued that they had requested the IHC to fully suspend the trial court’s verdict, which had found their client guilty in the Toshakhana case. However, they noted that the IHC’s August 28 ruling only suspended Khan’s sentence but not the trial court’s order.
The petition contends that Khan’s “rights” have suffered “serious prejudice” due to the non-suspension of the trial court’s verdict, as the ECP had barred him from participating in elections. The petition also highlights that the ECP’s disqualification decision was made hastily, even though the conviction had not reached “finality.”
In August of this year, the ECP disqualified Imran Khan for a period of five years following his conviction in the Toshakhana case. The electoral watchdog cited corrupt practices under Section 167 of the Elections Act, 2017, and imposed a three-year sentence.
Despite the suspension of his sentence by the IHC in the same month, Khan’s conviction and disqualification remained in effect until a final decision is reached in the main appeal.
The IHC’s brief verdict also directed authorities to release Khan on bail. However, he was not released as he was subsequently implicated in a cipher case.
What is Toshakhana?
- Toshakhana is a department responsible for storing valuable gifts given to rulers, parliamentarians, bureaucrats, and officials by foreign dignitaries. The gifts can include items such as bulletproof cars, gold-plated souvenirs, artwork, watches, and more.
- In the Toshakhana case, Imran Khan was accused of purchasing gifts he received as prime minister at low prices and selling them for substantial profits. The total value of the gifts in question was reported to be over Rs140 million ($635,000). Khan was found guilty of corrupt practices by the Election Commission.
Timeline of Toshakhana Case:
- October 21, 2022: ECP disqualifies Khan for false statements regarding gifts.
- Trial proceedings followed, including appeals and challenges in the IHC.
- August 29, 2022: IHC suspends the trial court’s sentence in the case.
