ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan got relief from a local court in the Toshakhana case after he once again skipped the proceedings on Thursday.
The former PM is facing charges of corrupt practices related to the state gift depository “Toshakhana”, the allegation he denies. The court adjourned further proceedings in the case till April 29 as it accepted Imran Khan’s request for exemption from Thursday’s attendance.
In October 2022, Imran Khan was barred from holding public office after the Election Commission of Pakistan found him guilty of unlawfully selling gifts from Toshakhana. The trial court had issued his arrest warrant earlier this month after his continuous absence, despite summons for indictment.
Earlier relief
However, the trial court cancelled the arrest order a few days later over Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s insistence that Imran Khan’s life was in danger and that he is in need of security. The hearing was adjourned till tomorrow (March 30) and ordered Imran Khan to ensure his presence.
At the start of the hearing, Imran Khan’s lawyers filed a request for exemption from today’s hearing, saying that there was a strike at the Islamabad Bar was still underway, which had been going on for the last 3 days.
At this, the Election Commission’s lawyer Amjad Pervez said that Khan is not part of the strike of the lawyers.
He argued that at the trial stage, the presence of the suspect in the court is required. Khan should come even if his lawyers are going to strike.
Imran Khan’s lawyer Khawaja Harris responded that the PTI chairman’s life was in danger and that the incumbent government has withdrawn security from him.
He said that the request for Khan’s exemption from the presence should be approved. However, others will continue with the court proceedings.
After the lawyers’ arguments, the judge asked the parties to assist the court in deciding on the case hearing through joint consultation. At this, the PTI chairman’s lawyer Faisal Chaudhry said that the next hearing should be held after Ramadan.
The honourable judge instructed the concerned parties to consult.
Harris proposed to adjourn the hearing for 2 weeks, at which the court adjourned further proceedings till 29 April and accepted Khan’s request for exemption from today’s attendance.
