Jailed PTI founder Imran Khan on Monday filed a petition in the Supreme Court to expedite the hearing of his appeal against his impeachment by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in the Toshakhana case.
Advocate Ali Zafar, the PTI founder’s lawyer, has filed a request for early hearing of the appeal against the former prime minister’s dismissal.
Arza, a former prime minister and leader of the largest political party (PTI), faces an ongoing challenge to his position as party chief following the disqualification of the election watchdog.
The petition states that cases challenging the ECB’s decision are currently pending in the Islamabad and Lahore High Courts, pending proceedings pending in the Supreme Court.
The petitioner alleged that this legal challenge prevented him from becoming PTI chief, MP and barred him from the parliamentary elections due to the pending appeal.
In December last year, Imran challenged the decision of the Lahore High Court (LHC) to suspend the ECP for five years for failing to declare Toshakhana’s gifts in the statement of assets and liabilities.
Khan said the recent amendment to the Election Act, 2017 has limited the ECP’s power to determine eligibility or remove members based on court orders.
In the petition, Khan urged the court to quash the ECP’s notification as a returning candidate from NA-45 Kurram-I constituency, who had been disqualified for five years. He also asked the court to stay the notice till the final disposal of the petition.
He accused the ECP of acting in bad faith and withdrawing from the February 8 general election instead of ensuring a fair and free election.
On August 5, 2023, Imran Khan was sentenced to three years in prison and a $100,000 fine in a 30-minute hearing.
