ISLAMABAD, Oct 21: In a major setback to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan’s top election body today disqualified him from holding public office for five years in the Toshakhana case for hiding proceeds from the sale of gifts he received from foreign leaders.
After the consensus ruling by a four-member bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman cannot become a Member of the Parliament for five years.
The decision was taken unanimously by the five-member bench. However, the member from Punjab was not present for the announcement.
The ruling coalition Government lawmakers had filed a case with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in August against 70-year-old Khan seeking his disqualification for failing to reveal the proceeds from the sale of gifts that he purchased at a discounted price from the state repository, also called Toshakhana.
The ECP after hearing the case had reserved its judgment on September 19 on the conclusion of the proceedings.
The bench of the ECP today unanimously ruled that Khan was involved in corrupt practices and was disqualified as a Member of the Parliament. It also announced that action would be taken against him under the corrupt practices laws.
Asad Umar, Secretary General of Khan’s party, announced that the decision would be challenged in the Islamabad High Court.
Fawad Chaudhry, another PTI leader, rejected the verdict and asked Khan’s followers to stage protests. (PTI)
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