ISLAMABAD: On Wednesday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) reserved its verdict regarding the pleas filed by Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), challenging his trial in corruption references related to the Toshakhana gift and £190 million embezzlement.
Chief Justice Aamir Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, constituting a two-member bench, reserved the decision after hearing arguments.
During the proceedings, NAB lawyer Amjad Pervaiz informed the court that Imran Khan was arrested on November 13 in the Al-Qadir Trust case, with approval obtained from the Official Secrets Act special court. The Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) submitted a report on media coverage of the Al-Qadir Trust and Toshakhana cases.
Imran Khan’s lawyer, Shoaib Shaheen, highlighted changes in the NAB law, emphasizing a shift in the authority for appointing judges. He mentioned that a request by NAB on November 13 led to the immediate preparation and approval of a summary by the cabinet, following the latest amendment to the law.
Shoaib Shaheen also noted discrepancies in the AGP’s claim about public access to the court, stating on record that accompanying lawyers were denied permission to enter.
Expressing concern, he stated that the judges are currently detained solely for trial in these cases. On January 9, an accountability court indicted Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana reference filed by NAB.
