Toshakhana case: Islamabad court defers Khan’s indictment till Feb 28

Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Zafar Iqbal heard the case during which Imran Khan’s lawyer sought exemption from appearance on medical grounds, to which the judge responded that if this delay continued, his trial would continue indefinitely.

It is pertinent to mention here that in October last year, a five-member ECP bench had disqualified the former PM Imran Khan under Article 63(1)(p), which says that an individual is, “for the time being, disqualified from being elected or chosen as a member of the Majlis-e-Shoora (parliament) or of a provincial assembly under any law for the time being in force”.

The ECP declared that the former PM submitted a false affidavit and was found to be involved in corrupt practices. The verdict says the respondent had “intentionally and deliberately” violated the provisions contained [in] sections 137, 167 and 173 of the Elections Act, 2017″.

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As per the verdict, criminal proceedings were to be initiated against Imran for misdeclaration. The ECP also ruled that office is directed to initiate legal proceedings and to take follow-up action under Section 190(2) of the Elections Act, 2017.

During the course of proceedings today, Khan’s lawyer Gohar Ali Khan told the court that his X-ray was scheduled for February 28, and there were certain problems for him to travel to Islamabad. He filed plea seeking exemption from appearing today, to which the ECP lawyer said that Imran Khan stood on his own feet yesterday at the Lahore High Court. Opposing the exemption plea, the ECP lawyer said a medical certificate was not attached to the plea.

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Concluding the proceedings after hearing arguments from both side, Judge granting exemption, deferred the indictment till February 28.

Also read: PTI denies allegation of selling Toshakhana watch to wanted suspect