By Special Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: An Islamabad sessions court on Tuesday reserved the verdict on a fresh petition filed on behalf of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan seeking exemption from appearance in the Toshakhana case.
The court had, on the previous hearing, fixed February 7 as the day for framing charges against Imran Khan; however, as the court resumed the hearing today (Tuesday), the lawyers for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief filed a fresh application seeking exemption from the appearance. The reference was filed by the ECP in November 2022, asking the court to proceed against the PTI chief Imran Khan under criminal law for allegedly misleading the concerned officials about the gifts he received from the foreign dignitaries during his foreign visits as prime minister of the country.
The purpose of framing a charge/indictment is to give intimation to the accused of unambiguous, clear and precise notice of the nature of the accusation that the accused would face during the course of a trial.
Toshakhana case
The ECP had requested that Imran Khan be convicted for the offenses mentioned under sections 173 (making or publishing a false statement or declaration) and 167 (corrupt practice) of the Elections Act 2017.
The ECP further said that as per the official record, the state gifts were purchased from the Toshakhana for Rs21.5m on the basis of the assessed value, while they were valued at around Rs108m. On January 31, Additional Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal had directed Imran Khan to submit surety bonds of Rs20,000 and ensure his appearance on February 7 for indictment in the case.
