In a recent turn of events, the Islamabad High Court has rejected former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s plea seeking the suspension of his conviction in the Toshakhana case. Consequently, members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party founded by Khan, are now mobilizing to seek relief from the Supreme Court for their leader.
The Islamabad High Court dismissed Khan’s application on Thursday, where he had sought the suspension of the trial court’s verdict related to the Toshakhana case. This case revolves around gifts allegedly received from the state depository during Khan’s tenure as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022.
The court’s decision has significant implications for Khan, who, due to the conviction, is currently barred from contesting elections. With the looming deadline for the submission of nomination papers for provincial and national assembly elections on February 8, the PTI is racing against time to secure relief for its founder.
Imran Khan, aged 71, was sentenced to three years in prison in early August after being found guilty of selling state gifts during his term as Prime Minister. However, the Islamabad High Court later revoked the sentence. Khan subsequently sought the annulment of his conviction, arguing that the original sentence would restrict him from running for office for five years.
As the PTI gears up to approach the Supreme Court, the legal battle surrounding the Toshakhana case remains a focal point in Pakistani politics. The outcome of this appeal will have far-reaching consequences not only for Imran Khan’s political future but also for the trajectory of the PTI as a key player in the country’s political landscape.