ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan has been sentenced to three years in prison by the Islamabad court in the Tosha Khana case, following which the PTI Chairman was apprehended in Lahore.
The case, presided over by Judge Humayun Dilawar, had summoned Chairman PTI Imran Khan to appear in his personal capacity at 8:30 am today. However, Imran Khan has not made an appearance in the court as of yet.
No Representation from PTI and Poetry Recital in Court
During the hearing, Judge Humayun Dilawar inquired about any representation from PTI’s side. Despite multiple calls, no one appeared on behalf of PTI. Amjad Pervez, the lawyer of the Election Commission, was asked if he had any statements to make, to which he recited some poetry.
Delay Caused by Khawaja Haris’ Presence at Accountability Court
Later in the hearing, PTI’s lawyer Khalid Yusuf finally appeared and informed the court that Khawaja Haris, who was to represent Chairman PTI, was present at the accountability court, causing a delay. In response, Amjad Parvez, the Election Commission’s lawyer, mentioned that Khawaja Haris was also required to attend today’s session.
Khawaja Haris’ Absence and Adjournment
Judge Humayun Dilawar asked PTI’s lawyer when Imran Khan would come to court, and Khalid Yusuf explained that Khawaja Haris would come to the session court and provide the relevant details. The lawyer also informed the court that Khawaja Haris was currently occupied with the bail case of Chairman PTI and Bushra Bibi in another court. Upon hearing this, the Election Commission’s lawyer, Amjad Pervez, said that he was informed that the accountability court matter was scheduled for 2:30 PM. The judge expressed concern about the delay and decided to adjourn the hearing until 12 o’clock, following the precedent set by the Islamabad High Court’s decision.
Khawaja Haris’ Appearance After Recess and Transfer Application
After the third recess, the hearing resumed, and the Election Commission’s lawyers appeared in court. Judge Humayun Dilawar inquired about Khawaja Haris’s absence, and upon confirming that he still hadn’t appeared, the judge reserved the decision, stating it would be pronounced at 12:30. However, later on, Chairman PTI’s lawyer Naeem Panjotha arrived at the district court, and eventually, Khawaja Haris also made his way to the court. During the hearing, Khawaja Haris sought permission to speak and filed a transfer application against the judge.
Imran Khan Sentenced and Fine Imposed
Despite the application, Judge Humayun Dilawar proceeded with the case, stating that the allegations against Chairman PTI in the Tosha Khana case were proven, including the charge of disclosing false assets. As a result, the court sentenced Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan to three years in prison and imposed a fine of one lakh rupees.
Islamabad High Court’s Decision on Case Transfer
It’s worth noting that the Islamabad High Court had earlier rejected Chairman PTI’s request to transfer the Tosha Khana case to another court. Chief Justice Islamabad High Court Aamir Farooq issued a decision on 8 appeals related to the case, annulling the Sessions Court’s decision to declare the case admissible for criminal proceedings. Chief Justice Amir Farooq ordered the session court to re-examine the case’s admissibility and address the points raised in the petition before reaching a final decision.
(Islamabad51-Newsdesk)
