Toshakhana reference: Trial against Imran Khan to begin tomorrow, district court sends notice

ISLAMABAD: A district court in the federal capital sent a notice to PTI Chairman Imran Khan to begin the trial against him in the Toshakhana reference according to the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) order.

The notice was sent to the former prime minister after a receipt of a copy of the reference ordering criminal proceedings against Khan.

Additional Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal will hear the reference tomorrow (Tuesday) filed against the PTI chief for being involved in corrupt practices.

In this regard, the judge issued a notice to the PTI chairman to appear before the court tomorrow for the hearing.

As per the law, Khan can be sentenced to three-year imprisonment and a fine can also be imposed on him.

Last month, in a major decision, the ECP disqualified Khan, finding him guilty of not sharing details of Toshakhana gifts and proceeds from their sale during his time as prime minister.

The ECP stated that the PTI chief had submitted a false affidavit and was found involved in corrupt practices under Article 63(1)(p).

"As a sequel to our abovementioned findings, facts available on record and keeping in view the argument of learned counsel for parties herein, we are of the considered opinion that the Respondent has become disqualified under Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution read with Section 137,167 and 173 of the Elections Act,2017, consequently he ceases to be a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan and his seat has become vacant accordingly," the ECP order stated.

In the verdict, ECP also declared that Khan had made “false statements and incorrect declarations, therefore he has also committed the offence of corrupt practices defined under Sections 167 and 173 of the Elections Act,2017”.

It added that the offence was, punishable under Section 174 of the Elections Act, 2017 and directed legal proceedings and follow-up action under Section 190(2) of the Elections Act.