Islamabad, 22 Aug, 2023 (GNP): Pakistan’s Islamabad High Court (IHC) postponed the hearing on a petition by former Prime Minister Imran Khan challenging his conviction in the Toshakhana corruption case.
Imran Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, was sentenced to three years in jail on August 5 by a sessions court judge for corrupt practices in the case, which was initiated in October of the previous year following a complaint by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The ECP had previously disqualified Khan in the same case.
Khan challenged his sentence at the IHC and requested to overturn the verdict.
Also Read: PTI vows to challenge former PM Imran Khan’s arrest in Toshakhana case
During the hearing on Tuesday, the ECP lawyer said that he had not been given access to the case file and requested more time for case preparation, a move opposed by Khan’s lawyer. The panel of judges, including IHC Chief Justice Amer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, granted the ECP lawyer’s request and rescheduled the hearing to August 24.
As per sources, if Khan’s conviction is suspended, he will be released from jail.
Moreover, Khan faces numerous legal challenges following his removal from power in April 2022, including the alleged misappropriation of Rs 50 billion in the Al-Qadir Trust case. He has also been accused of violating official secret laws by disclosing a secret cable from the US embassy.
Also Read: Leaked diplomatic cable sparks controversy over alleged US stance on Khan’s leadership
Khan’s conviction renders him ineligible to participate in upcoming general elections. His party’s prospects could be dimmed in his absence from the political arena, potentially impacting the general elections scheduled later this year.
On Monday, the Supreme Court formed a bench to hear Khan’s appeals related to the Toshakhana case on August 23, challenging the IHC’s decision to assign district and sessions judge Humayun Dilawar to oversee the Toshakhana case.
