ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has turned down the request from former PTI chairman Imran Khan to withdraw his appeal against the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision in the Toshakhana reference.
Chief Justice Aamir Farooq of the IHC announced the verdict, which had been reserved since September 13, following arguments presented by both sides.
Imran Khan sought to withdraw his appeal on January 18, citing a similar pending appeal in the Lahore High Court against the ECP’s October 21, 2022, decision to disqualify him under Article 63(1)(p) for providing “false statements and incorrect declaration.”
Barrister Ali Zafar, representing Imran Khan, argued for withdrawal, pointing to the ongoing Lahore High Court proceedings. Despite this, the Election Commission’s lawyer insisted that since the application was initially filed in the IHC, it should be heard there.
The reserved verdict affirmed that the appeal will be addressed in the Islamabad High Court, with a detailed explanation for the rejection to be provided later.
