The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has once again adjourned the hearing on former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s plea to suspend his three-year jail term in the Toshakhana case. The hearing was postponed until Monday, August 28, as the lawyer representing the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was unable to attend due to illness.
Imran Khan was convicted by a trial court in Islamabad on August 5 for concealing details of state gifts and was sentenced to three years in jail. As a result, he was also disqualified from contesting general elections for five years. Imran Khan filed an appeal in the high court against his conviction and also approached the Supreme Court against the IHC’s decision to return the case to the trial court.
During the hearing, Imran Khan’s legal team argued for the release of Imran due to the short sentence, jurisdictional defects, and improper authorization by the ECP. However, the ECP lawyer opposed the suspension of the sentence, noting that the superior courts can only suspend the sentence of prisoners who have completed at least six months of imprisonment.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court ordered the Attorney-General for Pakistan to provide a report on Imran Khan’s living conditions by August 28. The IHC hearing was presided over by a division bench comprising of Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri.
After the hearing, the lawyers, including Imran Khan’s counsel, Latif Khosa, got stuck in a lift at the IHC. The assistant lawyer, Suzane Jahan, protested that no action was taken despite her complaint to the administration.
Imran Khan filed a plea in the IHC against the trial court’s verdict, stating that it was biased and should be set aside. The plea argued that the trial judge had a preconceived mind to convict and sentence Imran Khan, disregarding the merits of the case. It also highlighted several procedural irregularities and the lack of evidence presented by the prosecution.
The Toshakhana case involves accusations that Imran Khan concealed gifts he received during his time as the prime minister. The ECP found him guilty of making false statements and incorrect declarations, leading to his disqualification under Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution. The case has faced various legal challenges and appeals.
The IHC will continue to hear Imran Khan’s plea on Monday, August 28, after the adjournment of today’s hearing.