In the Toshakhana criminal case, the District and Sessions Court has sentenced the PTI chairman to three years in jail. The court found the accused guilty of corrupt practices and imposed a fine of Rs. one lac on the convicted PTI chairman. Additionally, the former prime minister has been declared ineligible to hold public office for five years.
During the proceedings, the junior counsel for PTI, Khalid Yousuf, informed the court that senior lawyer Khawaja Haris was occupied in the NAB court. The judge inquired about the accused’s whereabouts, and Khalid Yousuf explained that Khawaja Haris was engaged in handling bail petitions. Due to the delay, the court deferred the hearing until 12:00 noon, instructing the lead counsel to ensure his presence by that time.
Earlier, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had set aside the session court’s verdict, which declared the Toshakhana reference against the PTI chairman as maintainable. The IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq ordered the lower court to re-hear the case and rejected the PTI chairman’s appeal to transfer the case to another court. The court also issued a notice for the next week to restore the right of defense.
Strict security measures were implemented outside Judge Humayun Dilawar’s courtroom, including a walk-through gate and barbed wires. Only approved lawyers and journalists were granted entry, ensuring a controlled and secure environment within the judicial complex.