Additional Meetings After an hours-long drama at the Federal Judicial Complex, Judge Zafar Iqbal on Saturday canceled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s non-bailable arrest warrants in the Toshakhana case.
The judge adjourned the hearing until March 30 and informed the parties that arguments would take place during the next hearing, as well as ordering Khan to ensure his presence.
Islamabad Chief Commissioner Noorul Amin Mengal moved the hearing from the F-8 Court Complex to the Judiciary Complex in G-11 as a “one-time dispensation” in response to the PTI’s claim that Khan’s life is in danger and he requires security.
High security was implemented in the vicinity before Khan arrived at Islamabad’s Judiciary Complex to maintain law and order and prevent any unfortunate events, like what occurred last month.
But when PTI employees started throwing rocks at police inside the Federal Court Complex, a repeat of the last incident occurred. As a result, tear gas was released into the courtroom where Khan was scheduled to appear.
The PTI staff smashed through the complex’s security gate for the second time in succession, forcing their way inside with their party leader. Also, according to police sources, the employees were dousing law enforcement with tear gas.
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Geo News reporters on the scene reported that PTI employees also severely damaged three police vehicles and used slingshots to throw stones at law enforcement, forcing them to use tear gas to defend themselves.
The PTI leader had a 3:30 p.m. court appearance scheduled, but on the way to the capital, he encountered multiple obstacles, including cars flipping over and police and party members fighting in several locations.
He came to the judicial complex after the designated time had passed, but the confrontations compelled him to depart the grounds.
The judge let the former prime minister sign in from his car and spared him from attending the hearing in the courtroom due to the violence that broke out within the complex.
مظاہرین کی جانب سے جوڈیشل کمپلیکس پر شیلنگ کی جا رہی ہے۔
پولیس کی چوکی کو آگ لگا دی ہے ۔
— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) March 18, 2023
What is the Toshakhana case?
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) declared the former prime minister guilty of illegally selling gifts from foreign dignitaries and heads of state in October of last year, and he was prohibited from holding public office as a result.
The 70-year-old cricketer-turned-politician was accused of misusing his 2018 to 2022 premiership to buy and sell gifts in state possession that were received during visits abroad and worth more than Rs140 million ($635,000).
The gifts included watches given by a royal family, according to government officials, who have alleged previously that Khan’s aides sold them in Dubai.
The gifts included seven wristwatches, six made by watchmaker Rolex, and the most expensive a “Master Graff limited edition” valued at 85 million Pakistani rupees ($385,000).
The election commission’s order had said Imran stood disqualified under Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution.
Following the order, the election watchdog moved the Islamabad sessions court and sought criminal proceedings against him — and the PTI chief has missed several hearings.
