Toshakhana Case: Imran Khan Approaches SC Against Islamabad HC’s Refusal To Grant Stay

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday approached the Pakistan Supreme Court against the Islamabad High Court’s decision of not granting a stay on the ongoing Toshakhana trial.

According to a report, in his plea before the high court, the 70-year-old Khan appealed to halt the recording of his statement under Section 342.

The plea stated that the trial before the District and Sessions Judge Humayun Dilawar should be stay on hold until the High Court gives its final verdict on this matter, as a decision on the jurisdiction of the court was necessary before the case could proceed further.

The legal team of the PTI chief led by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan filed the plea on behalf of Khan in the top court. The High Court has accepted the plea for a hearing.

The allegations against Khan are that he allegedly concealed details about receiving state gifts during his tenure as Prime Minister in the Toshakhana (a treasury where foreign dignitaries gift presents to government officials and hid the proceeds from their alleged sale).

He is accused of misusing his premiership from 2018 – 2022 to buy and sell state gifts, which were received during foreign tours and were valued at over 140 million rupees (more than $635,000).

The Election Commission of Pakistan declared Khan ineligible to hold public office in the Toshakhana case for “making false statements and a wrong declaration” on October 21 last year.

Khan faces over 140 cases across the country, involving charges of terrorism, violence, incitement, corruption, and murder.

Following a vote of no-confidence against him, he was removed from office in April last year.