Islamabad High Court Turns Down Imran Khan’s Appeal to Withdraw Toshakhana Case

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) rejected former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s request to retract his appeal against the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision in the Toshakhana case.

Khan, who previously contested the ECP’s verdict disqualifying him, later sought to withdraw his appeal, citing a concurrent case at the Lahore High Court (LHC).

This legal battle began when the ECP, on October 21, 2022, disqualified Khan under Article 63(1)(p), stating he was no longer a National Assembly member due to “false statements and incorrect declaration.” The ECP accused Khan of submitting a false affidavit and engaging in corrupt practices. Challenging his disqualification at the IHC, Khan argued the ECP lacked jurisdiction. However, a separate petition against this disqualification was also filed in the LHC, leading to Khan’s subsequent request to withdraw his IHC appeal.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, expressing frustration over the undisclosed LHC petition, emphasized that the case should continue in the court where it was first filed.

Background and Implications of the Disqualification

The disqualification saga stems from a reference sent by National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf to the ECP in August 2022, related to the Toshakhana scandal. The reference accused Khan of improperly acquiring and concealing gifts, including valuable watches, received during his tenure.

The controversy highlights the significant value of gifts Khan allegedly took at nominal prices and later sold, with the accusation that he failed to disclose these in his asset statements. This action, akin to deceit, prompted calls for Khan’s lifetime disqualification from elections under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution, a legal mechanism previously used against former PM Nawaz Sharif.