ECP reserves verdict in Imran Khan’s Toshakhana case
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday reserved its verdict in the Toshakhana disqualification reference filed by National Assembly (NA) Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf against former Prime Minister and PTI Chief Imran Khan.
In the Election Commission office, a hearing was held on Imran Khan’s disqualification reference for not disclosing Toshakhana gifts. In response, Imran Khan has admitted receiving the gifts and not disclosing in the reports.
Barrister Ali Zafar, Imran Khan’s counsel admitted that his client sold at least 4 gifts during 2018-19.
Today’s hearing:
Lawyer prosecutor Khalid Ishaq said that the value of one cuff link which was not disclosed is Rs5.7 million, he added that, the second argument was given that some gifts were sold during the financial year and according to Imran Khan, there is no need to disclose the gifts received by prime minister.
The PML-N lawyer said that according to Imran Khan, the Election Commission is not authorized to hear the case against him in Toshakhana reference.
Khalid Ishaq said that only the election commission can disqualify him for not revealing his assets. It is necessary for the members of the national or provincial assembly to reveal assets.
“Isn’t a watch worth Rs5 million an item of personal use? Ishaq raise a question.
Lawyer Khalid Ishaq stressed that, if a mistake has been made then admit it.
After hearing the arguments, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) reserved its verdict.
Background:
National Assembly (NA) Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf sent a reference to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the disqualification of PTI chief Imran Khan for selling presents from Toshakhana during his government.
In the reference, it was said that Imran Khan did not disclosed the details of gifts taken from Toshakhana and the money received from the sale of these gifts in his assets.
Earlier in April, the former prime minister had responded to the controversy over the gifts found in the Toshakhana during an informal media interaction, saying that these were his gifts and it was his choice whether to keep them or not.
