ISLAMABAD, April 11 (Online): Islamabad Court has dismissed Election Commission (EC) petition seeking early hearing of Toshakhana case against PTI chairman Imran Khan.
The EC petition came up for hearing before Additional Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal Tuesday.
The court while hearing the petition questioned from Imran Khan lawyers what they say on the petition regarding early hearing of Toshakhana case.
Khawaja Haris counsel for Imran Khan replied what is justification for fixing the case for early hearing. Only wastage of money. I am too much preoccupied due to PTI cases. The lawyers need time for preparation due to abundance of cases. Lawyers were on strike on previous hearing.
Faisal Chaudhry second lawyer of Imran Khan said EC had thought after two days that the date has to be got fixed soon.
Amjid Pervez Counsel for EC said we were seeking two months date and not for one month.
Khawaja Haris said district election commissioner filed the case against Imran Khan. Election commission has filed private complaint against Ali Haider Gillani. The case was filed against Ali Haider Gillani last year.
One year has lapsed but indictment has not been framed against Ali Haider Gillani so far. Election Commission (EC) is taking more interest in the case against Imran Khan. in Ali Gillani case date was given for one and half month.
Counsel for Imran Khan said due to such application of EC the entire system is becoming topsy turvy.
He said why discriminatory treatment is being meted out to Imran Khan in Toshakhana case. The attempt to get fix date for early hearing of Toshakhana case is tantamount to interfere in the case.
Khawaja Haris said EC wants Imran Khan be indicted. There are cases against members of parliament but they are sitting in assemblies. EC says if decision is not made soon then their professional work will be affected.
Imran Khan is still facing security threats and petitions have been filed in high court in this regard. Government does not tell when security has to be given to Imran Khan.
The counsels for Imran Khan presented decision of Ali Gillani case in the court.
Khawaja Haris said how much interest has been taken in Ali Haider Gillani case is before all of us. The election commission interest in Imran Khan case can be seen.
Amjid Pervez counsel for EC said Khawaja sought 15 days but one month was given at behest of Faisal Chaudhry.
Khawaja Haris said political influence should not be seen on EC. Imran Khan will appear in the court when it is needed.
Khawaja Haris opposed the plea of early fixation of the case for hearing.
Amjid Pervez Counsel for EC said district election commissioner has powers to lodge complaint. Giving bribe and not showing assets in return are two different cases.
He said leveling allegations of discriminatory treatment against EC is wrong. Supreme Court (SC) has given decision that trial court should give decision in corrupt practices within three months.
SC has remarked if the complaint is lodged once then it should be decided within three months. Election commission filed petition on merit and on basis of SC decisions.
Khawaja Haris filed exemption plea from Imran Khan.
Judge Zafar Iqbal said there is no need of exemption plea of Imran Khan. Only notice was to be got received.
The judge returned exemption plea of Imran Khan.
Amjid Pervez counsel for EC said Imran Khan is calling EC case false since three to four months. If he is true then he should come to the court. No acquittal plea has come from Imran Khan.
Saad Hassan counsel for EC said the accused wants the trial is expedited. But Toshakhan case is strange case where he wants adjournment.
Khawaja Haris counsel for Imran Khan said it has not been yet decided Toshakhana case is maintainable or otherwise.
The court rejected the EC plea for early hearing of the case.
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