Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Saturday, contesting the decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to disqualify him for failing to properly account for money received from the sale of Toshakhana gifts while he was the Prime Minister.
On October 24, the issue will be discussed by IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah.
The Toshakhana is a division under the administrative jurisdiction of the Cabinet Division that houses priceless presents that foreign dignitaries and heads of other governments and nations have given to monarchs, lawmakers, bureaucrats, and officials.
Gifts/presents and other similar items received by those to whom these rules apply must be reported to the Cabinet Division, per Toshakhana regulations.
In August, parliamentarians from the ruling coalition filed a reference stating that Imran had not disclosed information about the items he had received from the Toshaskhana and the money from their alleged sales.
The PTI vigorously disagreed with the ECP’s Friday (yesterday) finding that the former premier had in fact made “false statement and incorrect declarations” about the gifts.
Imran was declared ineligible according to Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution, according to the watchdog’s order.
Imran Khan’s attorney, Barrister Ali Zafar, submitted a writ appeal to the IHC today on his client’s behalf, requesting that the order be deemed “against the settled principles of law” with regard to Article 63.
In addition, the appellant sought the court to set aside the ECP’s order as “misconceived.”
To read our blog on “In Toshakhana reference, Imran Khan has been disqualified by ECP,” click here.
