Toshakhana Case: Imran did not appear in the court again, the judge expressed his displeasure, then got one day’s exemption in the trial

A trial court in Islamabad on Saturday granted one day’s exemption to former Prime Minister Imran Khan from appearing in the Toshakhana case. The Toshakhana proceedings pertain to a criminal complaint filed against the PTI chairman by the Election Commission of India (ECP) for concealing details of state gifts. Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar heard the matter today, while Barrister Gauhar Ali appeared as counsel for Imran and Advocate Amjad Parvez represented ECP. During the hearing, when one of Imran’s lawyers objected to the daily hearing of the case, the judge expressed displeasure over the PTI chief’s repeated non-appearance.

However, the judge still allowed the lawyer’s plea for a day’s respite to Imran, but ordered that the PTI chief’s presence must be ensured on Monday (July 24). A day earlier also, Imran’s lawyer Khwaja Haris Ahmed was seen trying to drag out the case and the judge was struggling to wrap it up in a few days. The cross-examination of two prosecution witnesses was also adjourned till Monday.

At the outset of the hearing, Imran’s counsel filed a request to exempt his client from attending today’s hearing and adjourn it till Monday (July 24). To this, the ECP counsel objected and argued that “no cogent reason” was mentioned in the exemption petition. Arguing that the suspect should be present when the trial is in progress. Advocate Parvez requested the court to issue directions to ensure Imran’s presence in the court.