Imran Khan Disqualified from Holding Public Office in Toshakhana Case

The court found Khan guilty of violating the provisions of the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) and the Representation of the People Act (RPA) by keeping the gift without paying the requisite taxes.

The gift in question was a golden necklace worth Rs1 million that Khan received from a former president of the United Arab Emirates in 2010. Khan had initially declared the gift to the Toshakhana, a government repository for gifts received by government officials, but later sold it without paying the required taxes.

It remains to be seen how the court's decision in the Toshakhana case will affect Khan's political career. However, it is clear that the case has had a significant impact on him, and it is likely to continue to do so for some time to come.

Background of the Case

The Toshakhana case dates back to 2010, when Khan was a member of the National Assembly. In that year, he received a golden necklace worth Rs1 million from the then-president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The court's decision is a major blow to Khan, who has been facing a number of legal challenges since his removal from office in April. The decision could also have implications for Khan's political career, as it bars him from holding public office for the next five years.

Khan's lawyers have said that they will appeal the decision, but it is unclear whether they will be successful. The case has been widely seen as a test of the rule of law in Pakistan, and the court's decision is likely to be met with mixed reactions.

Some people have welcomed the decision, saying that it sends a message that no one is above the law, even a former prime minister. Others have criticized the decision, saying that it is politically motivated and that Khan is being targeted for his opposition to the current government.

The Toshakhana case is just one of the legal challenges that Khan is facing.He is also facing a number of other cases, including one related to the alleged misuse of government funds for his personal benefit.

Khan was required to declare the gift to the Toshakhana, but he did not do so. Instead, he kept the necklace and later sold it for Rs1.5 million.

In 2017, the National Assembly's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) began investigating the case. The PAC found that Khan had violated the provisions of the NAO and the RPA by not declaring the gift to the Toshakhana.

The PAC recommended that Khan be disqualified from holding public office for five years. However, the then-government of Nawaz Sharif did not take any action on the PAC's recommendation.

Court Proceedings

In 2021, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) filed a reference against Khan in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking his disqualification from holding public office. The ECP's reference was based on the PAC's findings.

The IHC heard the case for several months and in April 2022, it ordered Khan to appear before the court to explain his position. Khan appeared before the court and denied any wrongdoing.

The IHC then reserved its judgment and in May 2022, it disqualified Khan from holding public office for five years. The court found Khan guilty of violating the provisions of the NAO and the RPA by not declaring the gift to the Toshakhana.

**Reactions to the Decision**

The court's decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have welcomed the decision, saying that it sends a message that no one is above the law, even a former prime minister. Others have criticized the decision, saying that it is politically motivated and that Khan is being targeted for his opposition to the current government.

Khan's supporters have vowed to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court. However, it is unclear whether the Supreme Court will hear the case.

Implications of the Decision

The court's decision could have significant implications for Khan's political career. Khan is currently the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. If he is unable to hold public office, he will be unable to contest elections or hold any government position.

The decision could also have implications for the PTI party. The PTI is currently the main opposition party in Pakistan. If Khan is unable to lead the party, it could be weakened and its chances of winning future elections.