Web Desk
On Tuesday, the Islamabad session court decided to reserve the verdict over the petition filed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding Pakistan’s Toshakhana case. This was due to an appeal by his lawyers citing health reasons as justification for not being physically present at the hearing.
The Islamabad Sessions Court had initially set February 7th as the date when charges were meant to officially be framed, but now further developments have been kept on hold pending Mr. Khan’s petition.
The reference was made against him by ECP in November last year with the misleading allegation about the gifts he received from foreign relations during his 4-year tenure as a PM. ECP has demanded the conviction of the former PM under section 167 related to corrupt practices and section 173 for false declaration.
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Sources stated that the gifts were worth nearly 108 million based on the value they hold but were sold by former PM Imran Khan for only 21.5 million. On January 31, Zafar Iqbal (additional Sessions Judge) commanded Imran Khan to submit surety bonds of Rs 20000 to ensure his presence in further proceedings of the case.
TODAY’S HEARING
Today, the legal team of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has filed a new petition in the court on behalf of party leader Imran Khan. The petition seeks an exemption from personal appearance due to health reasons.
The judge asked the lawyer to submit a surety bond to which he replied that bonds have been already submitted a day ago. The judge seemed a little furious at repeated delays saying:
‘’ How will the proceeding take place if exemption pleas will be repeatedly filed?’’
He also said:
‘’ Why is Imran Khan delaying appearing before the court? We have seen him when he was dancing on containers during rally. ‘’
The council replied:
‘’He will surely appear before the court once he is healthy’’
