Suspension of Imran Khan's Sentence in Toshakhana Corruption Case

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Islamabad High Court has suspended Imran Khan's three-year sentence in the Toshakhana corruption case and ordered his release from jail. This comes as a major relief to Pakistan's former prime minister ahead of the upcoming general elections. The much-anticipated verdict was announced by a division bench comprising of Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamir Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri. Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), confirmed the decision and stated that the district court's decision has been suspended. The court has also ordered Khan's release on the production of surety bonds worth Rs 100,000.

Khan's legal counsel, Naeem Haider Panjotha, posted on X, formerly Twitter, that the Chief Justice has accepted their request and suspended the sentence. However, Khan is not being released yet as a special court holding his trial in the Official Secrets Act has directed the Attock Jail authorities to keep him in judicial lockup until August 30.

The case against Khan alleges that he and others were involved in the violation of the secret laws of the country. The verdict was reserved on Monday after the rival lawyers concluded their arguments on the suspension of Khan's conviction and three-year sentence. Khan was sentenced on charges of unlawfully selling state gifts acquired by him and his family during his tenure as prime minister.

General elections in Pakistan are scheduled to be held within 90 days after the dissolution of the National Assembly. However, the government has announced that the elections could be delayed until a new census is completed and new constituency boundaries are drawn. This process may take about four months, potentially pushing the polls to next year.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is set to resume hearing petitions against the Toshakhana case. The court had observed shortcomings in the judgment of the sessions court and stated that the verdict was given in haste and without giving the accused the right of defense. The apex court has decided to wait for the Islamabad High Court's hearing before giving its judgment.

The Toshakhana case was filed in 2022, alleging that Khan concealed the proceeds from the sale of state gifts. The Election Commission of Pakistan first disqualified Khan and then filed criminal proceedings against him. Khan is currently in Attock Jail following his arrest from his Lahore home. The case alleges that Khan deliberately concealed details of the gifts he retained from the Toshakhana during his time as prime minister.

FutureCar Staff