SC fixes Imran’s appeals in Toshakhana case for hearing on Aug 23

A three-member bench headed by CJP Umar Ata Bandial will hear the petitions

ISLAMABAD:

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday formed a bench to hear appeals related to Toshakhana (gift repository) case on August 23, following appeals made by former prime minister Imran Khan against his conviction.

A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Jamal Mandokhel, will hear the petitions.

The PTI chairman had challenged the decision of the Islamabad High Court on August 3.

The IHC had referred the matter to district and sessions judge Humayun Dilawar — the judge who convicted the former premier in the case. The move prompted Imran’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to file an appeal against the decision in the Supreme Court.

Read more: Toshakhana axe falls on PTI chief

Imran was arrested for the second time in three months on August 5, 2023, after a district and sessions court sentenced him to three years in prison in the gifts repository case.

The party has also challenged the trial court’s ruling before the Islamabad High Court.

Shortly after the verdict, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified the PTI chief for five years and revoked his status as a returned candidate from NA-45 Kurram due to his conviction in the Toshakhana case.

Over 150 cases have been filed against the PTI chief since he was ousted from office in April 2022 through a vote of no-confidence.