Imran appeals for suspension of Toshakhana conviction

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday for the suspension of the order of the Islamabad sessions court that convicted him in the Toshakhana case on August 5.

Imran’s lawyer, Sardar Latif Khosa Advocate has submitted the petition in the IHC. The petition requested that along with the suspension of the lower court order, the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) notification disqualifying the PTI chairman should also be suspended.

The petition pointed out that on Imran’s appeal, the IHC had suspended his sentence but not the entire court decision of August 5. The petition also sought the IHC permission for making the state a party to Imran’s appeal against the session court judgment in the Toshakhana case.

Separately, IHC Chief Justice Aamir Farooq issued notice to the interior ministry and the jail authorities for their replies to a petition filed by Imran’s wife Bushra Bibi regarding provision of security and protection to the PTI chairman in Adiala Jail.

During a hearing, Bibi’s lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa told the court that Imran had been lodged in cell, where it was difficult for a person to offer prayers. He requested the court to allow home-cooked food for the PTI chairman.

Also, a new application was moved to the Special Court Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain for allowing Imran to speak with his sons by the telephone. On the application, the judge sought a report from the superintendent of the Adiala Jail.

Imran’s lawyer informed the court that previously the superintendent of the Attock Jail – where Imran was lodged following his conviction – had repeatedly said that he could not allow criminals to make telephone calls. The court sought report from the Adiala Jail Superintendent by October 10.

Also, the district and sessions courts of Islamabad fixed six bail applications of Imran for hearing on Friday (today). Additional Sessions Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra would hear the applications in the cases related to May 9 incidents, PTI long march and other matters.

The Tarnool, Ramna and Karachi Company police stations had lodged separate cases against Imran over the May 9 incidents. Another case was registered in the Secretariat police station for holding a long march, while one case was registered at the Kohsar police station.

The court had dismissed the PTI chairman’s bail pleas in absentia, while he was in jail. The IHC overturned the bail cancellation and ordered for fresh hear the bail applications. The IHC exempted the PTI chairman from personal attendance.