ISLAMABAD: The sessions court in Islamabad accepted a plea for personal exemption from the Toshakhana case hearing filed by Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Thursday. The court ordered Imran Khan to appear before the court tomorrow (Friday).
The former premier’s counsel, Gohar Ali Khan, informed Additional District and Sessions Judge Humayun Dilawar that his client had a scheduled appearance before the Lahore High Court and requested the court to fix a hearing date after July 10. While the defense requested an extended exemption, the court granted Imran Khan a one-day exemption but instructed his counsel to ensure his presence in court the following day.
The sessions court took up the case after Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq overturned the ruling of the local court regarding Imran Khan’s challenge to the maintainability of the Toshakhana case. The case has been referred back to the trial court to re-examine the matter within seven days, as instructed by the Chief Justice.
Toshakhana Case Against Imran Khan
Chief Justice Farooq also framed eight legal questions for the trial court judge to consider in determining the maintainability of the reference, which is based on an Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) complaint regarding the alleged concealment of state gifts. The questions involve issues such as the authorization of the complaint and the validity of previous decisions.
During the hearing, Gohar expressed surprise at the case being scheduled for the current date, as it was originally set for July 8. The judge questioned the lack of coordination between the two counsels but emphasized the need to reach a decision in the case by July 10 and requested the presentation of arguments.
The Toshakhana case, filed by ruling party lawmakers, is based on a reference filed by the ECP, alleging that Imran Khan had deliberately concealed details of gifts received from the Toshakhana during his tenure as prime minister and the proceeds from their reported sales. Imran has faced legal issues regarding the retention of these gifts, which ultimately led to his disqualification by the ECP.
The Toshakhana is a department under the Cabinet Division responsible for storing gifts given to government officials by foreign dignitaries. According to Toshakhana rules, these gifts and materials must be reported to the Cabinet Division.
