ECP disqualifies Imran for five years after Toshakhana verdict

Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has been disqualified for five years by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and removed as a candidate from NA-45 Kurram due to his conviction in the Toshakhana case.

Imran Khan, who was ousted from the position of prime minister, was arrested and sent to Attock jail following a trial court’s decision in Islamabad. He was sentenced to three years in prison and fined Rs100,000 for providing false information about his assets to the electoral oversight body.

In addition, Additional Sessions Judge Humayun Dilawar has also barred Imran Khan from participating in elections for five years, seemingly putting an end to his chances of contesting the upcoming November elections. This outcome remains unless higher courts intervene on his behalf.

The trial court, led by Judge Humayun Dilawar, emphasized that the evidence provided by the complainant (ECP) was strong and reliable, leading to the successful establishment of the charges against Imran Khan. The 30-page verdict was delivered swiftly as a result of a prompt trial initiated based on a criminal complaint lodged by the ECP.

The trial court’s findings indicated that Imran Khan had inaccurately reported his assets in Form-B for the financial year 2018-2019. Specifically, he had not disclosed the acquisition of valuable gifts from the state’s gift repository, Toshakhana, as well as the subsequent sale of these gifts to different individuals.

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