Pakistan Election Commission disqualifies former PM Imran Khan for 5 years

TIL Desk/World/Islamabad/ In a major blow to former prime minister Imran Khan, Pakistan’s top election body on Friday disqualified him from holding public office for five years in the Toshakhana case for hiding proceeds from the sale of gifts he received from foreign leaders. After the consensus ruling by a four-member bench headed by chief election commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman cannot become a member of the parliament for five years.

The decision was taken unanimously by the five-member bench. However, the member from Punjab was not present for the announcement. The ECP in its ruling stated that Khan was disqualified under Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution with sections 137 and 173 of the Elections Act, 2017 for ‘intentionally and deliberately’ violating those provisions, as he ‘has made false statement and incorrect declaration before the commission in the statement of assets and liabilities filed by him for the year 2020-21.’

“We are of the considered opinion that the respondent has become disqualified under Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution read with Section 137,167 and 173 of the Elections Act, 2017, consequently he ceases to be a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan and his seat has become vacant accordingly,” it said.