ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has turned down former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s plea to withdraw his appeal against disqualification in the Toshakhana reference.
The decision was announced by a division bench led by IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, reserved on September 13.
The reference alleges that Imran Khan, presently incarcerated at Adiala Jail, failed to disclose details of gifts retained from Toshakhana and proceeds from their sales. Lawmakers from the ruling coalition filed the reference last year.
Toshakhana, under the Cabinet Division, stores gifts given to rulers and government officials by foreign dignitaries. According to Toshakhana rules, such gifts must be reported to the Cabinet Division.
ECP Disqualifies Imran Khan in Toshakhana Case
On October 21, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced its verdict that Imran Khan had made “false statements and incorrect declarations” regarding the gifts, resulting in his disqualification under Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution.
However, in a written response presented to the ECP on September 8, 2022, Imran acknowledged selling a minimum of four presents he had received during his time as the prime minister.
In his response, the former premier said that the proceeds from the sale of the gifts obtained from the state treasury after paying Rs21.56 million, amounted to about Rs58 million. Among the items sold were a Graff wristwatch, a set of cufflinks, an expensive pen, and a ring. Additionally, the other three gifts comprised four Rolex watches.
However, on January 18, the PTI filed a fresh plea to withdraw the petition, expressing a desire for the Lahore High Court to hear the matter.
The IHC, in its written order, stated that the ECP partially addressed arguments and granted more time. The court adjourned the hearing until December 11, with a provision that if arguments are not addressed, the matter will be decided based on the available record. The order also allowed the applicant to meet Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, following relevant rules and regulations.
The reference against Imran Khan was filed by the Pakistan Democratic Movement, accusing him of not sharing details of Toshakhana gifts and proceeds from their alleged sale. Despite government reluctance to disclose gift details, Imran later admitted to selling at least four presents received during his tenure, stating that the sale yielded about Rs58 million. The reference seeks Imran Khan’s disqualification under Article 63 of the Constitution.
