The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has reserved its verdict in Toshakhana case as both sides concluded their arguments in the plea filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.
The plea seeks the suspension of the sentence announced by the trial court’s Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar in the Toshakhana case.
A two-member bench, consisting of Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, presided over the case’s hearing today.
The hearing was previously adjourned due to the absence of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) lawyer, Amjad Parvez. However, the lawyer, who couldn’t attend due to health reasons, presented his arguments in court today.
The IHC is set to announce its verdict on Tuesday at 11 am.
The court had instructed the ECP lawyer to present arguments on Monday, with the electoral authority directed to arrange alternative representation in the lawyer’s absence.
The IHC Chief Justice expressed displeasure at the lawyer’s previous absence, emphasizing the critical stage of the suspension of sentence request.
The PTI lawyer, Latif Khosa, completed his arguments in the previous hearing.
Earlier this month, a trial court sentenced Imran Khan to three years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs100,000. Khan challenged the verdict, seeking release and suspension of conviction through an appeal to the IHC. The ECP had also filed a private complaint against Khan related to the same case.
The Toshakhana case revolves around the rules governing the “treasure house,” where government officials can retain low-value gifts but must pay a reduced fee for extravagant items. Allegations emerged that Khan had purchased gifts received during his premiership and later sold them in the market for substantial profits.
The allegations involve gifts acquired during Khan’s tenure as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, valued at over Rs140 million ($635,000). Notably, the gifts include wristwatches, some of which were sold in Dubai. A complaint was filed with the Election Commission, leading to a declaration of guilty verdict for corrupt practices against Khan in October 2022.
Meanwhile, the security was on high alert in Islamabad due to verdict in the high-profile case as confirmed by the ICT police.
