The recent development puts Imran Khan’s legal situation in the spotlight, and political observers await further proceedings as the case unfolds.
ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, an accountability court granted a two-day physical remand for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in connection with the Toshakhana case. Accountability Judge Mohammad Bashir issued the directives during a hearing held at Adiala Jail.
The accountability court session saw officials from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) requesting a seven-day physical remand for the former prime minister. However, the AC judge, after careful consideration, turned down the request, approving a two-day physical remand instead.
This decision follows the dismissal of Imran Khan’s pre-arrest bail plea in the Toshakhana case by another accountability court in Islamabad a day earlier. The accountability court’s judge, Muhammad Bashir, announced the verdict after considering arguments from both sides.
Earlier in the week, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had reserved its verdict on Imran Khan’s plea seeking the suspension of his conviction in the Toshakhana case. The plea was heard by IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Jahangiri. The court reserved its verdict after careful consideration of arguments presented by the defense and prosecution.
The Toshakhana case stems from a consensus verdict by the electoral watchdog on October 21, 2022, which disqualified the former prime minister under Article 63(1)(p). The verdict ruled that Imran Khan was no longer a member of the National Assembly due to “false statements and incorrect declaration.”
In response to the disqualification, Imran Khan had moved the IHC on October 28, 2022, seeking the overturning of the decision. However, on January 18, 2023, he decided to withdraw the appeal.
The recent development puts Imran Khan’s legal situation in the spotlight, and political observers await further proceedings as the case unfolds. The two-day physical remand allows authorities to question Khan in connection with the Toshakhana case, and the public remains attentive to subsequent developments in this high-profile legal matter.
Toshakhana reference
The reference, which alleges that Imran failed to share details of the gifts he retained from the Toshaskhana (during his time as the prime minister) was filed by lawmakers from the ruling coalition last year.
The Toshakhana issue became a major sticking point in national politics after the Election Commission of Pakistan disqualified the PTI chief for making “false statements and incorrect declaration” last month.
The judgement added that the former PM 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.
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“The amount in his bank account was around half of the value of the state gifts. Imran Khan was bound to declare the cash and bank details in his returns but he didn’t declare it,” ECP decision read.
“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”.
Following this, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had launched probe against former prime minister Imran Khan in Toshakhana case on March 9.
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