Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court, challenging the decision to conduct his trial inside Adiala Jail in both the Toshakhana and the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust cases.
The petition, filed against the jail trial notifications, also seeks a stay order on the ongoing proceedings in the trial court until the high court reaches a verdict on the application.
Khan's legal team argues that the notifications issued on November 14 and 28, 2023, authorizing the jail trial in Al-Qadir Trust and Toshahana cases, respectively, are "illegal and malicious". They contend that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) failed to follow due process and provide sufficient justifications for conducting the trial within the jail premises.
The petition demands that both notifications be quashed and the trial court's proceedings be halted until the high court delivers its decision on the application. This, according to Khan's lawyers, will ensure a fair and transparent trial, adhering to legal principles and protecting his fundamental rights.
Khan's challenge against the prison trial comes amidst ongoing legal battles surrounding the Toshakhana and Al-Qadir Trust cases. In the Toshakhana case, Khan allegedly received gifts as the head of the state, but failed to declare them in his official assets. The Al-Qadir Trust case involves accusations of misusing funds received from overseas.
