Non-bailable arrest warrants for Imran Khan in Toshakhana case

A sessions court in Islamabad has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case over his repeated absence from court proceedings.

However, he was able to secure bail in two other cases that relate to prohibited funding and terrorism. Earlier, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) and a banking court granted interim bail to Khan at the Islamabad judicial complex, where he was accompanied by a large number of party supporters.

Additional sessions judge Zafar Iqbal, who conducted the hearing of the Toshakhana case, issued the non-bailable warrants and adjourned the hearing for March 7.

The Toshakhana case refers to the complaint filed in August 2022 against Imran Khan by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) leaders for not sharing the details of Toshakhana gifts which are given to Pakistani leaders and bureaucrats by foreign leaders and international dignitaries.

After Khan’s refusal to share the details of gifts which he had received from foreign heads of State and governments, it was found that he had sold some of the Rolex watches and other items. Subsequently, the Election Commission of Pakistan disqualified Khan from holding any public office and also directed the trial court to initiate criminal proceedings against Khan.

Geo News reported that Khan had to appear in-person before four courts on Tuesday to attend cases related to prohibited funding, anti-terrorism, the Toshakhana case and an attempt to murder case as well.

The Islamabad police had registered terror cases against PTI leaders, including Khan, after party workers vandalised State property following Khan’s disqualification in the Toshakhana reference.

Khan had been absenting himself repeatedly from court proceedings citing the assassination attempt on his life in November 2022. He was shot in the leg by a gunman during the PTI’s Azadi March in Wazirabad in Punjab, one person was killed and seven other people sustained injuries.

The court complex in Islamabad had stringent security in anticipation of PTI supporters reaching in big numbers to support Khan.