The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s appeal against his conviction in the Toshakhana reference by a sessions judge until August 24, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

During the hearing, IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Justice Aamer Farooq remarked that the court had sought the case’s record by issuing notices on the appeal. “Whether the record has been received,” he asked.

Counsel for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Amjad Pervaiz told the court that he was still to receive attested record of the case.

Pervaiz also sought from the court ‘suitable time’ to prepare his arguments in the case. “If the court gives me two weeks to submit my reply, it will be appreciated,” he said.

The CJ, however, refused to accept the ECP’s lawyer’s request, and said he was ready to give him time, but that would not be two weeks.  

Opposing the ECP’s request, Latif Khosa, Imran’s lawyer, complained that he had not been given enough time to present arguments.

He prayed to the court to release the PTI chairman on bail. “Already notices have been issued in the case,” Advocate Khosa said, adding, “My client is languishing in jail where he has been denied even basic facilities.”

He accused the election commission of using delaying tactics. “The sessions judge gave the verdict in haste, without looking at merits of the case,” he claimed, and added, “The decision given by the sessions court is a violation of both the Supreme Court (SC) and IHC’s orders.”

Imran’s lawyer said that since the SC had given bails in such cases; therefore, it was prayed to the court to grant his client bail as well.

Addressing ECP’s lawyer, CJ Farooq said the court would neither accept your petition nor that of Imran’s counsel.

Reporter: Rozeena Ali