A local court in Islamabad on Tuesday adjourned the indictment of former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan in Toshakhana reference till February 28, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Additional Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal heard the case.
Imran’s lawyer filed an application on behalf of his client seeking his exemption from court hearing on medical grounds.
The court has summoned Imran in personal capacity. But the PTI chief did not appear before the court. It was fourth time that Imran skipped the hearing.
During today’s hearing, the judge remarked if the PTI chief kept on skipping the court appearance, the trial would be dragged on. However, he accepted Imran’s plea.
ECP lawyer Saad Hassan objected to Imran’s application for exemption of court appearance. He suggested to form a medical board consisting of PIMS doctors for the medical examination of Imran who is convalescing from his gunshot wounds.
On November 14, 2022, the Election Commission of Pakistan sent Toshakhana reference to the trial court to initiate criminal proceedings against former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan.
In October 2022, the ECP had disqualified the deposed premier under Article 63(1)(p) in the Toshakhana reference.
The reference was referred to the district and sessions judge under sections 137, 170 and 167 of the Election Act.
The written ruling read that PTI chief had “intentionally and deliberately” violated the provisions contained in sections 137, 167 and 173 of the Elections Act, 2017 as he submitted a “false statement” and “incorrect declaration” to the ECP in the details of his assets and liabilities filed by him for the year 2020-21.
Reporter Ehtisham Kiyani