Tyrian White case: IHC decides to form larger bench to decide on disqualification of Imran Khan
ISLAMABAD, Feb 02 (SABAH): Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday decided to constitute a larger bench to preside over a plea seeking Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chief and former prime minister Imran Khan’s disqualification for allegedly concealing his daughter, Tyrian White.
The petitioner, Muhammad Sajid, in his plea had maintained that while the former premier has denied allegations that he has a daughter, he refrains from commenting on the matter now, allegedly because he knows that there is evidence against him.
The application sought the PTI chief’s disqualification under the Article 62(i)(f) under the pretense that the concealment of the alleged daughter renders him unfit for office.
During the proceedings, as IHC Chief Justice Amir Farooq presided over the hearing, the court observed that Imran Khan’s primary contention was that he was no longer a public office holder. The high court also noted that the petitioner has challenged Imran’s 2018 oath.
The court has sought clarification from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on the matter and requested a copy of the notification identifying Imran.
The court further observed that Imran’s legal team had raised concerns over the constitution of the bench.
“You are an excellent judge”, responded Imran’s lawyer Abuzar Salman Khan Niazi adding that “we have only put some information forth”.
The Chief Justice elaborated that he had recused himself from hearing a similar petition in 2018 but not on personal grounds.
Nonetheless, the judge admitted the PTI lawyer’s request and ordered the constitution of a larger bench for February 9 where the court will resume the hearing.
It may be noted that in 2018, petitioner Abdul Wahab Baloch had contested that the PTI chairman should be disqualified under Article 62(i)(f) of the Constitution for providing incorrect information in his nomination papers, adding that he is no longer “Sadiq and Ameen”.
Since the counsel for Imran had raised an objection, the case will now be referred to the larger bench. The hearing was adjourned until February 9.