Pakistan: SC Dismisses Imran’s Plea Against Toshkhana Trial

The Pakistan Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the plea submitted by former Prime Minister Imran Khan against trial proceedings pertaining to the Toshakhana criminal complaint after he withdrew the petition.

The apex court declined Imran’s request to halt the trial related to the Toshakhana case, currently underway in an Islamabad sessions court. However, it also provided temporary respite to the PTI chief by deferring further proceedings until today. This delay allowed him to revisit the court in case of an unfavorable order issued by the Islamabad High Court.

Simultaneously, the IHC, reserved its judgment on a series of petitions filed by Imran, challenging the Toshakhana trial. The IHC’s awaited verdict is expected to be issued today.

Additionally, the IHC will also release the reserved judgment on Imran’s appeal against the trial court’s decision to deny his right to call witnesses in the case.

A three-member SC bench, initially led by Justice Yahya Afridi and including Justice Musarrat Hilali and Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, was slated to hear Imran’s plea.
However, earlier today, the composition of the bench was reconstituted, with Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi replacing Justice Naqvi.

During the hearing, Advocate Khawaja Haris appeared as Imran’s counsel while Advocate Amjad Pervaiz appeared as the counsel for the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Prior, the Election Commission of Pakistan had temporarily suspended the actions against Imran Khan in connection with the Toshakhana case.

The subsequent hearing, where formal charges are anticipated to be framed against Imran Khan, is scheduled for August 22.

Last year, the ECP initiated disciplinary measures against Imran Khan, PTI leader Asad Umar, and former Information and Broadcasting Minister Fawad Chaudhry. These measures were taken for purportedly using “derogatory” language against the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioner.