The Supreme Court of Pakistan has declined to halt the trial of the Toshakhana case involving PTI chairman, dismissing his appeal against the Islamabad High Court’s decision to remand the case back to the trial court.
The case was presided over by a three-member bench led by Justice Yahya Afridi. Despite the refusal to grant immediate respite to the PTI leader, the apex court has scheduled a hearing with all parties involved for August 5.
Justice Afridi expressed surprise at the PTI chairman’s decision to take the matter to the Supreme Court, stating that the requested relief was already under the court’s consideration. The PTI leader’s lawyer, Khawaja Haris, raised concerns about jurisdiction.
Justice Afridi suggested the Islamabad High Court should initially decide on the requested relief. Following the court proceedings, the hearing was postponed to August 4.
The Toshakhana case has been a prominent issue in national politics since the Election Commission of Pakistan disqualified the PTI leader for making “false statements and incorrect declaration”. The reference alleges that the PTI chief did not disclose details of the gifts he retained from the Toshakhana during his tenure as Prime Minister.
The judgment indicated that the former Prime Minister had engaged in corrupt practices as per sections 167 and 173 of the constitution. Consequently, a criminal proceeding will be initiated for filing a false statement.
