An Islamabad Court has started criminal proceedings against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, in the Toshakhana Reference referred Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
In today’s hearing, the district and sessions court issued a notice to Imran Khan in the Toshakhana reference.
In a statement, District Election Commissioner said the trial court would hear the reference filed against the former premier for being involved in corrupt practices.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had sent Toshakhana reference to the trial court to initiate criminal proceedings against the PTI Chairman.
The reference was referred to the district and sessions judge under sections 137, 170 and 167 of the Election Act. The commission had ordered the initiation of criminal proceedings against the former premier.
In its written verdict, the ECP stated: “According to Imran Khan’s account, he acquired the gifts from Toshakhana for 21,564,000 rupees, but the Cabinet Division said the gifts were worth 107,943,000 rupees.”
“His bank account included roughly half the value of the governmental presents. Imran Khan was required to disclose the cash and bank information in his tax forms, but he failed to do so, according to the ECP’s verdict.
“Imran Khan being declared disqualified and unseated from his National Assembly seat,” the ECP said, adding: “He has been disqualified under Article 63, 1(P), over submitting a false statement and declaration”.
The judgment added that the former premier was found to be indulged in corrupt practices under sections 167 and 173 of the constitution. “A criminal proceeding will be initiated against him over filing a false statement.”
“His disqualification under Article 63, 1(P) has been for his current parliament membership”, the ECP said in its 36-page detailed judgment of the reference.
