Imran’s indictment in Toshakhana case deferred, again

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan’s indictment in the Toshakhana case was deferred for the second time on Tuesday, this time till February 28.

Earlier, Imran Khan was to be indicted on February 7.

The Toshakhana reference against Imran Khan was filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan last year. The ECP has alleged that the PTI chief misled officials about the gifts he had received as prime minister. The ECP wants Imran Khan to be tried under Sections 167 (corrupt practice) and 173 (making or publishing a false statement or declaration) of the Elections Act 2017.

The case is being heard by Additional District and Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal.

As the hearing began on Tuesday, Imran Khan’s lawyers requested for another exemption from personal appearance on medical grounds.

As per local media reports, Imran Khan’s counsel Gohar Ali Khan told the court that as some X-rays are to be conducted of the PTI chief’s injured leg on February 28, he be exempted from personal appearance.

Imran Khan is recovering in Lahore from gunshot wounds he sustained in an assassination bid during a rally in Wazirabad on November 3.

Judge Zafar Iqbal remarked that exemption pleas are being filed since February 9 and if this continues, the trial will never end. To this, the counsel said the problem is of Imran Khan’s travel to Islamabad.

ECP’s lawyer Saad Hasan objected to the PTI representative’s request for another exemption, saying Imran Khan went to the Lahore High Court a day ago.

To this, the judge said that the court can direct PIMS to submit a medical report of Imran Khan’s health status and asked the counsel to show the medico-legal report to ascertain the nature of his injuries.

“The court has summoned Imran Khan in a personal capacity. He is being granted exemption at every time,” the judge noted.

Gohal Ali Khan then apprised the court that Imran Khan went to the LHC from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore and it took time due to security. “Appearance in Islamabad Katcheri is a bit difficult.”

The doctors have advised Imran Khan to rest, he said, adding that the case is of non-serious nature. “Imran Khan did not appear on doctors’ advice and security issues.”

Then the court directed the authorities to provide attested copies of the case record to the PTI chief’s counsel. At this point, the ECP’s lawyer also dropped his objections on the exemption, asking Imran Khan to ensure his presence at the next hearing on February 28.