Criminal proceedings start: Court sends notice to Imran in Toshakhana case

ISLAMABAD: As per the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) order, a trial court in Islamabad sent a notice to PTI Chairman Imran Khan for today (Tuesday) in the trial opened against him in the Toshakhana reference.

The notice was sent after the court received a copy of the reference ordering criminal proceedings against Imran Khan. Additional Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal will hear the reference Tuesday filed against Imran Khan for being involved in corrupt practices. In reference, Imran can be sentenced to three-year imprisonment and fine can also be imposed on him. Last month, ECP, in a consensus verdict in Toshakhana reference, disqualified the former prime minister and ruled that the PTI chief was no more a member of the National Assembly.

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.