Pak court rejects Imran Khan bail

An Islamabad court yesterday rejected the request of PTI chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan, for an extension of his interim bail.

The plea was made in a case pertaining to a protest outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) following its decision in the Toshakhana case.

The verdict was announced by Judge Raja Jawad Abbas Hassan on the grounds of non-appearance in court.

Earlier yesterday, the court rejected Imran's request for exemption from appearance on medical grounds. "Imran Khan should appear in court by 1:30pm," the judge said in an order announced at 1:20pm.

The PTI chief has been convalescing in his residence in Lahore ever since he was wounded in an assassination attempt.

During today's hearing, Imran's lawyer Babar Awan told the court that Imran tried to travel to Islamabad but could not.

Previously, the court had granted the PTI chief the last opportunity to appear on February 15.

The case was filed against Imran after PTI workers took to the streets and held demonstrations outside ECP offices across the country.

The reference alleging that Imran had not shared details of the gifts he retained from the Toshaskhana and proceeds from their reported sales was filed by lawmakers from the ruling coalition last year. On October 21, the electoral body had concluded that the former premier had indeed made "false statements and incorrect declarations" regarding the gifts.

The Toshakhana is a department under the Cabinet Division that stores gifts given to rulers and government officials by heads of other governments and foreign dignitaries. According to Toshakhana rules, gifts/presents and other such materials received by persons to whom these rules apply shall be reported to the Cabinet Division.