The Election Commission of Pakistan has postponed the hearing on a case that aims to remove Imran Khan as the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja led the five-member bench overseeing the case, which was filed by citizen Khalid Mahmood.
The petitioner argues for Khan’s removal as the party’s leader, citing his disqualification from holding public office following a conviction in the Toshakhana case.
Although Khan’s lawyers were expected to present their response on Tuesday, they requested more time, leading to the adjournment of the case until December 5.
Special Court Orders Open Trial Of Imran Khan In Cipher Case In Adiala Jail
Meanwhile, Tuesday saw a significant development in the cipher case as a special court issued an order to relocate the trial back to the jail premises.
Despite this, the court made a crucial ruling that the proceedings would take place in an open court setting.
During today’s hearing, Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi were personally summoned, but the jail authorities expressed security concerns, preventing the two leaders from appearing in court.
In a reserved verdict, Judge Abu Alhasnaat Zulqurnain decided to hold the trial within the jail due to government-reported security risks.
However, he also mandated that the media and five members from each accused individual’s family would be permitted to observe the trial.
Earlier, security measures were heightened at the Judicial Complex anticipating a significant turnout of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers and lawyers.
However, the superintendent of Adiala Jail conveyed in writing that due to serious threats, the politicians couldn’t be brought to court. This information was relayed by Federal Investigation Agency prosecutor Khawar Shah.
PTI’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, referred to the previous hearing’s directive, insisting on Khan’s presence in court despite security concerns.
Safdar highlighted that even when Khan himself acknowledged security risks, he was instructed to attend court. He urged the court to be informed if there were any obstacles to Imran’s appearance.
