A trial court in Islamabad has granted one-day exemption to former Prime Minister Imran Khan from appearing in Toshakhana case.
The case involves a criminal complaint filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), accusing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman of concealing details of state gifts.
Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar presided over the hearing, with Barrister Gohar Ali representing Imran Khan as his counsel, and Advocate Amjad Pervaiz representing the ECP.
A debate in the courtroom ensued when Imran’s counsel objected to hearing of the case regularly.
To this the judge said the case file contained only the exemption plea, limited to the extent of that day’s hearing.
The judge noted that Imran’s exemption requests were previously accepted despite his absence from the court.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) lawyer raised objections to the plea, arguing that it lacked substantial reasons for Imran’s absence.
Advocate Pervaiz, contending that the suspect should be present during the trial, urged the court to ensure Imran’s appearance.
During the hearing, the presiding judge asked the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyer about Imran’s availability on Monday. Barrister
Ali informed the court that Imran was scheduled to appear in the Supreme Court on Monday for another case in Quetta. Subsequently, ADSJ Dilawal said Imran could appear in this court after fulfilling his commitments in the apex court.
After considering the arguments, the court granted Imran’s exemption for the day but directed his counsel to ensure his appearance after the Supreme Court hearing on Monday. The hearing was adjourned for a later date.
The Toshakhana case, based on a criminal complaint filed by the ECP, alleges that Imran deliberately concealed details of gifts received during his time as prime minister and the proceeds from their reported sales.
According to Toshakhana rules, such gifts should be reported to the Cabinet Division.
Imran had faced legal issues concerning the retention of gifts, which led to his disqualification by the ECP on October 21, 2022. The ECP’s order cited “false statements and incorrect declarations” regarding the gifts, resulting in his disqualification under Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution.
Following the ECP’s decision, the case proceeded in the Islamabad sessions court, with Imran being indicted on May 10. However, on July 4, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) overturned the ruling, declaring the Toshakhana case admissible.
On July 8, an Islamabad district and sessions court upheld the case’s maintainability, leading Imran to challenge the verdict in the IHC.
