ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Monday refused to suspend disqualification verdict of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) given in Toshakhana reference, de-seating Chairman PTI Imran Khan from NA-95 Mianwali.
Imran Khan, it may be recalled, had filed a plea in the Islamabad High Court on October 22, challenging the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision to disqualify him over his alleged failure to properly account for monetary proceeds from the sale of Toshakhana gifts while he was the prime minister.
Also read: ECP disqualifies Imran Khan in Toshakhana reference
The ECP’s order said Imran stood disqualified under Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution, thus de-seating him from NA-95 Mianwali, the seat he was notified for as winner.
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During today’s proceedings, Barrister Ali Zafar pleaded that the ECP order be declared “against the settled principles of law” on Article 63, and requested the court to declare the order as “misconceived” and set it aside, arguing that the ECP had only a role of complainant in this scenario (of mis-declaration).
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Also read: Toshakhana Case: All you need to know
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After hearing the arguments, Justice Amir Farooq refused to suspend ECP order, but restrains the electoral watchdog to hold by-elections on the vacated seat.
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The IHC issued notice to the ECP and summoned rejoinder, saying that it could give judgement only after hearing the parties concerned, and that the verdict about reversing Imran Khan’s disqualification would be give on Nov 10.
