The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday rejected Imran Khan’s counsel’s plea to grant a three-week time for
submission of answer in Toshkhana reference. Imran Khan facing disqualification reference for allegedly hiding Toshakhana
gifts. Barrister Ali Zafar skipped today’s hearing also, while Barrister Gohar, his assistant appeared before the ECP in the reference. A 5-member commission headed by the Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja heard the reference. At the outset of the hearing, Gohar Khan informed the country’s supreme electoral body that they require time to get documents of assets declaration. We are reviewing whether has someone declared iPhone and watches in his assets declaration or not. Imran Khan’s counsel pleaded the ECP to grant three-week time to submit answer in Toshakhana reference, while the plea was rejected by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

The hearing has been adjourned until August 29. About the PML-N and rival party’s allegations regarding selling gifts from Toshakhana, the former PM said that whatever he bought from toshakhana is on record and if anyone has an evidence regarding corruption, he should come forward. “I thank God, that in three years (of rule), all they have got against me is this Toshakhana gift scandal, which is already on record,” said Imran Khan. He maintained that he was well within his right to buy those gifts according to law and he in fact changed the rules and made it mandatory for officials to pay at least 50 percent of the value of the gift which was 25 percent in the past. “My gifts, my choice,” the former prime minister responded to the criticism over the Toshakhana’s state gifts.

Credit:
Independent News Pakistan-INP