ISLAMABAD: On Tuesday, the Election Commission of Pakistan disqualified former prime minister Imran Khan for five years following his conviction in the Toshakhana case.

In a notification, the ECP stated that the PTI chairman has been disqualified after being found guilty of corrupt practices under Section 167 of the Elections Act, 2017 and his sentencing for three years.

“As a consequence, Mr Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi has become disqualified under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan read with Section 232 of the Elections Act,2017,” the notification added.

The ECP de-notified Imran Khan as the “returned candidate” from NA-45 Kurram-l constituency.

PTI To Challenge Imran Khan’s Conviction In Toshakhana Case

Shah Mehmood Qureshi, the Vice Chairman of PTI, vehemently rejected the conviction and arrest of Chairman Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case. He expressed that the ruling by the trial court was feared to be state-sanctioned and premeditated. Qureshi conveyed that PTI will use all legal channels to challenge the conviction against Khan.

Qureshi cited concerns about the fairness of the trial. He questioned whether Imran Khan, a 70-year-old, was granted a fair trial as mandated by Article 10(1) of the Constitution, which ensures justice for every citizen.

He further questioned the impartiality and adequacy of representation in Khan’s trial, wondering if any other judge besides Justice Humayun Dilawar could have fulfilled the requirements of justice.

The PTI Vice Chairman expressed his views that the cases were repeatedly sent to the trial court with the anticipation of similar verdicts. He raised the point that when Imran Khan had already expressed mistrust in the judiciary’s objectivity, the judge should have recused himself to uphold the requirement of justice.

Qureshi also found it troubling that the verdict was announced on a weekend. He questioned if the police were pre-informed about the decision, given their immediate arrival to take Imran Khan into custody.

Qureshi expressed concerns about the necessity of breaking into Imran Khan’s house. Moreover, he raised concerns about the need to break into Imran Khan’s house. He noted that in such situations, a warrant is usually presented when a person voluntarily turns themselves in. Qureshi emphasized that PTI will challenge the decision through all available legal means to defend Imran Khan.