ECP summons PTI chief in Toshakhana case on 11th

Commission moves in pursuance of verdict issued for Imran’s removal as party chairman

ISLAMABAD:

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday summoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on January 11 in pursuance of the verdict issued for his removal as the party chief in the Toshakhana case.

He has been asked to appear before the commission at 10 am in person or be represented by a counsel.

The notice stated that Imran continued to occupy the top party position despite his disqualification for misrepresentation of assets.

“A disqualified person cannot be the head of a party,” the notice stated.

The ECP sent the notice through the Islamabad election commissioner to the former prime minister's Bani Gala residence.

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On Thursday, the Lahore High Court barred the ECP from removing Imran as the PTI chairman in pursuance of the verdict issued in the Toshakhana case.

The court had issued the directives on Imran’s plea against the ECP notice issued to debar him from heading the party.

The ECP had on December 5, 2022, initiated the process of removing Imran as the PTI chief in light of its verdict in the Toshakhana case. He was disqualified under Article 63 (1p) of the Constitution for making “false statements and incorrect declaration”.

It had informed the Islamabad High Court on December 13, 2022, that it had initiated proceedings to remove Imran as the PTI chief.

Consequently, Imran on Jan 4 approached the LHC against the ECP’s proceedings, pleading that the exercise of jurisdiction by the ECP on the basis of an alleged incorrect statement of assets and subsequent disqualification was unlawful and contrary to the Constitution.