ISLAMABAD: The session court of the federal capital on Tuesday reserved its decision on the plea of former prime minister Imran Khan for exemption from personal appearance in the Toshakhana case on grounds of health.
A sessions court in Islamabad had set February 7 as the date for indictment in the case, but when the judge resumed the hearing today, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief’s lawyers filed an immunity plea. . appearance
The reference was filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in November last year, requesting the court to prosecute the PTI chief under the criminal law for allegedly being his prime minister. The authorities were misled about gifts received from foreign dignitaries during the reign of
The ECP had requested that the PTI chief be convicted for offenses under Sections 167 (corrupt practice) and 173 (publishing or publication of false statement or declaration) of the Elections Act, 2017.
It added that according to records, official gifts were purchased from Toshakhana for Rs 21.5 million based on their estimated value, while their value was around Rs 108 million.
On January 31, Additional Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal had directed the PTI chairman to submit a surety bond of Rs 20,000 to ensure his appearance today for the charge sheet in the case.
Today’s hearing
At the start of today’s hearing, PTI’s legal team filed a request for exemption from personal appearance on behalf of Imran Khan citing health reasons.
The PTI chairman is recovering from injuries sustained in a gun attack during a rally on November 3.
The judge asked PTI’s counsel about the bail bonds. On this, he told the court that he had submitted the bonds a day before.
“How can we frame charges if immunity pleas are filed repeatedly?” asked the judge.
Imran Khan’s lawyer, Barrister Ali Zafar, argued that he was not provided with evidence and certified copies of the complaint.
On this, ECP’s lawyer said that he has provided the said documents before the court. The judge, however, directed the counsel to ensure that all required material is provided to the defence.
During the hearing, ECP’s lawyer asked why Imran Khan did not appear in the court.
“We’ve seen him dance on the container.”
On this, Zafar warned the ECP representative against making such statements.
He also requested the court to fix a date for the appearance after February 15.
The judge inquired to give us a date when Imran Khan will appear.
“He will come if he can,” replied the lawyer.
