The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has scheduled a hearing for PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s appeal against his Toshakhana case conviction on August 22. Comprising of IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, the division bench will oversee the proceedings. Earlier this month, a trial court in Islamabad sentenced the PTI chief to three years imprisonment for “corrupt practices.”
The repercussions also included his disqualification from contesting general elections. Following the verdict, Khan was arrested from his Lahore residence. He has since sought IHC’s intervention through his counsel to suspend his sentence pending a decision on his appeal.
Toshakhana Case Backdrop
The case stemmed from allegations that Khan concealed details of gifts he retained from Toshakhana, a repository for presents received by government officials from foreign dignitaries, during his tenure as the prime minister.
As per Toshakhana rules, such gifts should be reported to the Cabinet Division. Following an investigation, the ECP found the former premier guilty of making “false statements and incorrect declarations” concerning these gifts, leading to his disqualification. This matter was then taken to the Islamabad sessions court for further action, which indicted Khan in May.
The case saw various developments, with the Islamabad High Court (IHC) initially halting proceedings but later ordered a re-examination of the case. In conclusion, Judge Dilawar found shortcomings in Khan’s defense and, despite IHC’s request for a re-examination, the trial court delivered its verdict against the former premier.
