The Supreme Court has turned down Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) request to expedite the appeal for suspending the Toshakhana sentence against former party chairman Imran Khan due to the unavailability of the bench. This development has significantly diminished Imran Khan’s chances of participating in the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8.
PTI lawyers urged the court to promptly address the petition seeking the suspension of the Toshakhana decision. The Supreme Court, in addressing the cases related to the suspension of the Islamabad High Court verdict against Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case and a contempt plea against providing a level playing field to the party, noted that a three-member bench required to hear the plea was unavailable this week.
Acting Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Sardar Tariq Masood commented on the division bench of the IHC delivering the Toshakhana verdict, highlighting the absence of a three-member bench in the apex court this week.
Lawyer Shehbaz Khosa emphasized the national significance of the case, stating that Imran Khan could only contest the election if relief in the Toshakhana case was granted before December 30.
Justice Minallah pointed out the lack of precedent for suspending an entire decision when a sentence is suspended, adding that the PTI lawyer’s request was unprecedented in Pakistan’s history.
Referring to the Javed Hashmi case, the PTI lawyer argued for a three-member bench, even suggesting moving the case to Lahore if necessary.
The acting CJP explained the unavailability of a third judge during the winter vacation and offered to include someone from outside Islamabad on the bench. However, Justice Minallah expressed skepticism about the immediate benefits of suspending the Islamabad High Court decision.
Earlier, PTI lawyers appeared before the court, with Counsel Latif Khosa claiming document snatching and threats within the court premises. Acting CJP Masood assured that the administrative side would address the matter, emphasizing that no constitutional issue was at play.
Justice Athar Minallah acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and instructed PTI lawyers to file an application against the snatching of their appeal. The CJP suggested an administrative inquiry by the relevant SP.
Additionally, the Supreme Court hinted at potentially hearing the PTI’s contempt petition tomorrow regarding the provision of a level playing field in elections, despite court orders.
