Toshakhana case: 3 years jail, 5 years disqualification for PTI chairman

ISLAMABAD: In the high profile Toshakhana case, Islamabad Sessions Court Judge, Humayun Dilawar, has handed down a verdict against the PTI Chairman. The conviction, under section 174 of the Elections Act, entails a three-year sentence to jail and a five-year disqualification from running for public office.

Neither the PTI Chairman, Imran Khan, nor his legal representatives were present for the hearing.

A delay had been granted earlier in the day for the arrival of the PTI Chairman’s legal team, pushing the proceedings back from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Along with the sentence, a fine of Rs100,000 was imposed on the PTI Chairman with Judge Dilawar rescinding his right to defence due to his failure to appear in court in person or through a representative, despite multiple notices.

Following the indictment, an order was issued to the IG Islamabad for immediate arrest of the former PM.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM), Atta Tarar, speaking to the media, asserted that the “accused has signed statement 342, which signifies an acceptance of guilt.”

Yesterday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) overturned a previous decision from the Sessions Court, returning the case to the trial court for re-hearing.