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Sunday May 05, 2024

Toshakhana case: NAB objects to 10th change of counsel by Imran, Bushra

Court is set to record the statements of both accused under Section 342 of the Criminal Code

By Our Correspondent
January 30, 2024
Former prime minister Imran Khan (centre) with his wife Bushra Bibi (left) arrive to appear at Lahore High Court on May 15, 2023. — AFP
Former prime minister Imran Khan (centre) with his wife Bushra Bibi (left) arrive to appear at Lahore High Court on May 15, 2023. — AFP

ISLAMABAD: Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir adjourned the hearing of the Toshakhana case against PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi until Tuesday (today).

The court is set to record the statements of both accused under Section 342 of the Criminal Code. During the proceedings on Monday, Advocate Chaudhry Zahar Abbas submitted a letter of attorney on behalf of both the accused.

However, NAB lawyer Amjad Pervaiz vehemently opposed the change of counsel, pointing out that this marked the tenth change in lawyers for the Tohakhana case. He expressed concern that the frequent changes were deliberate attempts to delay the proceedings and hinder the case’s progress.

Notably, witnesses have appeared in court five to six times, yet the accused’s legal representatives have consistently postponed cross-examination. Until August, only five witnesses had been cross-examined, while the NAB had recorded statements from 16 witnesses in the Toshakhana case. In response, Shahbaz Khosa, the lawyer representing the accused, argued that his right to cross-examination was unfairly terminated, even though he had appeared for the proceedings. He said he would challenge it in the Islamabad High Court.