Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed the plea put forth by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who sought the withdrawal of his appeal against disqualification in the Toshakhana reference. The IHC Chief Justice, Aamer Farooq, delivered the verdict after it had been reserved on September 13.
The reference against Imran Khan alleged that he failed to disclose details of gifts retained from the Toshakhana and the proceeds from their reported sales. Imran Khan, currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail, faced allegations from lawmakers in the ruling coalition. The Toshakhana is a department under the Cabinet Division responsible for storing gifts presented to rulers and government officials by foreign dignitaries. According to Toshakhana rules, such gifts and materials are required to be reported to the Cabinet Division.
Earlier, on October 21, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had determined that Imran Khan had made “false statements and incorrect declarations” regarding the gifts, leading to his disqualification under Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution.
Imran Khan contested the ECP’s decision, arguing that he had legally acquired the assets and had no reason to omit the gifts from his assets statement. However, in a subsequent turn of events, on January 18, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) filed a fresh plea in the IHC, seeking to withdraw the petition, expressing the desire for the Lahore High Court to hear the matter.
The reference against Imran Khan, filed by the Pakistan Democratic Movement, accused him of not sharing details of Toshakhana gifts and their proceeds. Despite initial reluctance by the PTI government to disclose the details, Imran Khan later admitted to selling four presents received during his tenure as Prime Minister.
The reference sought Imran Khan’s disqualification under relevant constitutional articles. This recent verdict by the IHC highlights the ongoing legal challenges and controversies surrounding the former Prime Minister’s political career.
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