Imran Khan, the chairman of the PTI, is given notice by an Islamabad court to ensure his attendance at the subsequent hearing of ECP’s criminal complaint against him.
Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was granted an exemption from today’s hearing in the Toshakhana case against him by an Islamabad district and sessions court on Monday.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has filed a petition with the court seeking to have him subject to criminal prosecution for allegedly engaging in corrupt practices. The court also sent the former premier with a notice requesting that he ensure his attendance at the next hearing.
Khan received a notice from the court regarding ECP’s plea on December 15. The trial court heard the Toshakhana reference brought by the Election Commission against Khan for suspected corruption—which the former premier denies—on November 22.
The trial court in Islamabad issued a notice to the PTI leader in the case that was launched against him in the Toshakhana reference by the directive of the electoral authority.
Today’s Hearing:
Khan’s lawyer Ali Bukhari asked the court at the beginning of the session to exclude the former premier from the hearing for today, claiming health problems as the cause of his absence.
In response, Khan was requested a power of attorney by the court. The PTI chief’s attorney was asked by the court, “Have you included a medical report?” The court added that Khan had not made any applications.
Bukhari replied that he would use WhatsApp to request a medical report. A date for the Toshakhana reference against the PTI chairman was requested by Khan’s attorney from the court. The attorney said, “It would be preferable if the court gave a February date.
The ECP attorney added that Khan cannot be granted bail until he appears in court. In addition, he asked that arrest warrants be issued for the former premier if he fails to show up for court.
In addition to requesting certified copies of the case from the ECP, the court said it would investigate this matter.
The court adjourned the case until January 31 after accepting Khan’s plea for an exemption and serving him with a notice to appear at the subsequent hearing.
