PTI leader Imran Khan was given relief in the Toshakhana case by an Islamabad local court on Thursday despite his continued absence.
A former prime minister is accused of corruption in connection with the state gift depository, an accusation he vigorously denies.
Khan was prohibited from holding public office in October of last year after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) found him guilty of illegally selling gifts from foreign dignitaries and heads of state.
Earlier this month, the trial court issued an arrest warrant for the PTI chief for his ongoing absence despite summonses for indictment in the case.
Due to PTI’s contention that Khan’s life was in danger, the trial court reversed the warrant of detention a few days later. Khan was instructed to be present for the hearing, which was postponed until today (March 30).
Additional sessions judge Zafar Iqbal of the district and sessions court in Islamabad presided over the hearing.
Initially, Khan’s attorneys claimed that the Islamabad Bar was still on strike and had been for three days prior to the hearing.
Imran Khan is not participating in the lawyers’ strike, according to Amjad Pervez, the attorney for the Pakistani Election Commission. He said Khan must appear in court even if his attorneys strike because their presence is necessary during the trial.
Khan’s attorney Khawaja Harris responded that the PTI leader’s life was in danger and his security had been removed.
According to him, Imran Khan may appear in court via video link, and the chief justice of Islamabad has requested a report about his protection being removed.
The appeal for Imran Khan’s absence to be excused, he continued, “should therefore be granted; however, others will continue legal proceedings.”
The judge asked the lawyers to consult one another following their arguments so that the court could decide the hearing. Toshakhana’s next hearing should be held after Ramadan, said Faisal Chaudhry, the PTI chief’s lawyer. Is there a rush?” he inquired.
Instructing the parties in question to consult, the judge stated that the court had already begun at 8:30am.
Harris’ request that the hearing be postponed for two weeks was accepted by the judge, who postponed future proceedings until April 29.
As well, Imran Khan submitted a plea challenging the validity of the Toshakhana case!
What is Thoshakhan Case?
“Toshakhana” – a Persian word meaning “treasure house” – allows government officials to keep low-value gifts, while extravagant items will be charged drastically reduced fees.
It has been under scrutiny ever since Imran Khan was accused of purchasing gifts at throwaway prices and selling them off for staggering profits on the open market.
As premier from 2018 to 2022, Khan allegedly misappropriated gifts in state possession that he received during visits abroad. The gifts were valued at more than Rs140 million ($635,000).
Officials have previously alleged that Khan’s aides sold watches bought from a royal family in Dubai, as part of the gifts.
According to the election commission’s order, Imran stood disqualified under Article 63(1)(p).
In response to the order, the election watchdog moved to a session court to seek criminal charges against him, but he has missed a number of hearings.
