Imran Khan, the Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has taken legal action by approaching the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to seek the suspension of his conviction in the Toshakhana case, which was handed down by the Islamabad sessions court on August 5.
Imran Khan’s legal representative, Advocate Sardar Latif Khosa, has filed a petition with the IHC. The petition not only requests the suspension of the lower court’s verdict but also seeks the suspension of the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) notification, which disqualified Imran Khan from holding office as PTI chairman.
The petition highlights that, although the IHC had suspended Imran Khan’s sentence upon his appeal, it did not suspend the entire court decision rendered on August 5. Additionally, the petition seeks the IHC’s permission to include the state as a party to Imran Khan’s appeal against the session court’s judgment in the Toshakhana case.
In a separate legal development, the Chief Justice of the IHC, Aamir Farooq, has issued notices to the Interior Ministry and jail authorities in response to a petition filed by Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi. The petition pertains to concerns about Imran Khan’s security and protection while he is incarcerated in Adiala Jail.
During the hearing, Sardar Latif Khosa, the lawyer representing Bushra Bibi, informed the court that Imran Khan was being held in a cell where it was challenging for him to offer prayers. Khosa requested the court to permit the provision of home-cooked food for the PTI chairman.
Furthermore, a new application has been submitted to Special Court Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain, seeking permission for Imran Khan to communicate with his sons via telephone. In response to this application, the judge has asked for a report from the superintendent of Adiala Jail.
Imran Khan’s lawyer informed the court that the superintendent of Attock Jail, where Imran Khan was initially held following his conviction, had previously stated that he could not allow inmates to make telephone calls. The court has requested the Adiala Jail Superintendent to submit a report by October 10.
Additionally, the district and sessions courts of Islamabad have scheduled hearings for six bail applications filed by Imran Khan. These applications are related to various cases, including incidents that occurred on May 9, the PTI long march, and other matters.
Separate cases against Imran Khan were registered at Tarnool, Ramna, and Karachi Company police stations in connection with the events of May 9. Additionally, another case was filed at the Secretariat police station for organizing a long march, and one more case was registered at the Kohsar police station.
While Imran Khan was in jail, the court had rejected his bail petitions in absentia. However, the IHC subsequently overturned the bail cancellations and ordered fresh hearings for the bail applications. Furthermore, the IHC has exempted Imran Khan from the requirement of personal attendance during these hearings.
