Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been granted relief in the Toshakhana case by an Islamabad court, despite his absence from the proceedings once again on Thursday March 30, 2023. The former prime minister has been charged with corrupt practices related to the state gift depository, an allegation which he denies.
Last year, the Election Commission of Pakistan found Khan guilty of unlawfully selling gifts from foreign dignitaries and heads of state, resulting in his disqualification from holding public office. The trial court had previously issued an arrest warrant for Khan due to his continuous absence from proceedings, but this was cancelled a few days later after PTI argued that Khan's safety was at risk and he required protection.
At the latest hearing, Khan's lawyers requested exemption from attendance, citing a strike at the Islamabad Bar, which the Election Commission of Pakistan's lawyer argued should not exempt Khan from appearing in court. Khan's lawyer expressed concern about his safety, citing the government's withdrawal of his security as evidence that his life was in jeopardy.. The judge eventually adjourned proceedings until April 29, accepting Khan's request for exemption and allowing arguments challenging the admissibility of the Toshakhana case to be presented at the next hearing.
The Toshakhana case involves allegations that Khan purchased gifts received during his premiership at low prices and sold them on the open market for huge profits. Khan's aides allegedly sold the expensive watches gifted by a royal family in Dubai, as claimed by government officials. The election commission's order disqualified Khan from holding public office under Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution, prompting the commission to seek criminal proceedings against him.
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