The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday declared the Toshakhana case against the PTI chairman Imran Khan inadmissible. This comes as a major relief for the former prime minister, who is facing over 100 cases since being removed from power.
According to the details, Justice Aamir Farooq announced the ruling on Imran Khan’s petition as the ousted premier moved to court and raised questions over the admissibility of the Toshakhana case.
Read more: Imran Khan & Bushra Bibi face fraud charge in Toshakhana case
The petition was filed after the PTI chief was indicted in the case on May 10. The PTI chief then approached the IHC, which had stayed criminal proceedings on the case till June 8.
Following the resumption of the hearing in June, Justice Aamer on June 23 reserved his verdict on the petition, saying that he would look into the matter after Eid ul Adha.
In his petition, the PTI chair objected to filing a complaint after a specified period. The latest development is being considered a victory for Imran Khan.
عمران خان کیخلاف توشہ خانہ کیس ناقابل سماعت قرار دے دیا گیا۔ اس مقدمہ میں عمران خان کی نااہلی کی امیدیں لگا کر بیٹھنے والوں کے لئے آج بڑی مایوسی کا دن ہے۔ ایک سال سے زائد مسلسل الزامات اور میڈیا ٹرائل کرنے والوں کو سرعام معافی مانگنی چاہیئے
واضح ہو گیا کیسے بدنیتی کی بنیاد پر… pic.twitter.com/DNnJpwBNty— Farrukh Habib (@FarrukhHabibISF) July 4, 2023
Toshakhana reference
Under the rules of the Toshakhana, government officials can keep gifts if they have a low worth. At the same time, they must pay a dramatically reduced fee to the government for extravagant items.
The reference, which alleges that Imran failed to share details of the gifts he retained from the Toshaskhana (during his time as the prime minister), was filed by lawmakers from the ruling coalition last year.
Read more: LHC orders govt to release Toshakhana records from 1990 to 2001
Official documents revealed that Imran Khan and his wife keep hold of over 50 valuable gifts worth millions and by paying a little amount. The gifts included watches given by a royal family, according to government officials, who have alleged previously that Khan’s aides sold them in Dubai.
The Toshakhana issue became a major sticking point in national politics after the Election Commission of Pakistan disqualified the PTI chief for making “false statements and incorrect declaration” last month.