SC to take up PTI chief’s Toskhakhana case after high court verdict

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing on a plea filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman, challenging the Islamabad High Court’s verdict to remand the Toshakhana case back to the trial court judge who had convicted him.

Chief Justice Omar Ata Bandial remarked that the high court is expected to base its verdict on all facts presented.

Headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, a three-member bench heard the appeal, which were attended also by Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, sisters of the former prime minister.

During the hearing, PTI’s counsel Latif Khosa appeared, stating that he had completed the evidence before the Islamabad High Court. In response, Chief Justice Bandial wittily remarked that even your breath seems to be inflating.

“The high court’s consideration underscores the elegance of our legal framework, engaging in the profound examination of the case,” Chief Justice Bandial observed. “Let’s anticipate the high court’s judgment, and we shall discern its determination. The prospect of relief is plausible.”

Justice Mazahir Ali Akbar inquired about the forthcoming decision in the high court’s case. To this, Latif Khosa expressed his inability to predict as a legal practitioner.

Justice Jamal Khan Mandukhel underlined the honour in addressing the judiciary, affirming the collective commitment to bolstering this institution. Despite criticisms aimed at judges, the judiciary remains steadfast in its resolve to dispense justice impartially, the chief justice said.

The court adjourned the hearing indefinitely, concurrently soliciting an official report to ascertain the facilities being provided to the PTI chief in jail.