The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday stopped the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) from holding by-polls in NA-95 Mianwali-I after dismissing the petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan seeking immediate suspension of his disqualification in the Toshakhana reference.
Justice Aamer Farooq heard the petition against the disqualification of Imran Khan in the Toshakhana reference, in which Barrister Ali Zafar appeared on behalf of the PTI chairman.
At the outset of the hearing, Justice Amir asked, “Have you submitted any application to submit additional documents?” On this, Ali Zafar said that an application has been made to submit the notification issued by the ECP; Zafar also said that Imran Khan was disqualified as a member of the assembly and was de-seated.
The court asked whether it came from the Speaker’s reference. On this, Ali Zafar said that yes, the reference was sent by the Speaker and on that the decision of disqualification was pronounced, the ECP has to give its findings on the reference. He also said that the questions of the ECP have to be answered in 90 days and every member of the assembly was bound to submit the details of his assets on June 30. The punishment for giving false statements, and misinformation is imprisonment for up to three years and a fine the law, there is no punishment for disqualification.
Justice Aamer Farooq said that the court was not suspending the decision of the ECP. Later, the court also stopped the ECP from holding the by-election to the Mianwali seat and issued a notice to the ECP on a petition against Imran Khan’s disqualification.
On the other side, PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s plea for exemption from appearance in the prohibited funding case has been approved. Judge Rukhshanda Shaheen heard Imran Khan’s application for exemption from appearance in the funding case.
Imran Khan’s lawyers had applied for an exemption. Prosecutor Rizwan Abbasi and lawyer Intizar appeared before the court. The court extended Imran Khan’s interim bail till November 10.
