Pakistan’s election commission disqualifies ex-PM Imran Khan for hiding assets

Pakistan's election commission has disqualified former prime minister Imran Khan from holding public office for five years on charges of unlawfully selling government gifts he received from foreign dignitaries and concealing assets.

The five-member committee headed by chairman Sikandar Sultan Raja issued the verdict on Friday after the case was referred to it by the speaker of the lower house of the parliament.

In its statement, the electoral body announced that Khan committed "corrupt practice" and concealed the money from the sale of government gifts.

According to Pakistani law, selling these types of gifts is legal, but concealing transactions related to them is considered illegal.

Pakistan's law minister Azam Nazir Tarar confirmed that the commission found Khan guilty of the charges and disqualified him from holding public office for five years.

Khan's close aide and former federal minister, Fawad Chaudhry also told reporters that the Election Commission of Pakistan announced the verdict in the capital Islamabad on Friday, condemning it.

According to reports, citing legal experts, the former premier will lose his National Assembly seat under the verdict. However, his spokesman said Khan will challenge the verdict in court.

The decision to disqualify the chief of Tehreek e Insaf Pakistan comes months after the parliament ousted him through a no-confidence vote. Khan called it a "foreign-backed regime change conspiracy", pointing fingers at the US. 

Shahbaz Sharif’s coalition government had petitioned the election commission, seeking action against Khan on charges that he unlawfully sold state gifts while in office. He was also accused of concealing the money he received by selling those gifts.

Pakistan’s Election Commission rules Imran Khan’s party received illegal funds

The Election Commission of Pakistan has ruled that the party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan has received funds from prohibited sources, including foreign nationals and foreign companies.

The move is likely to deepen the lingering political turmoil in the impoverished South Asian country that is grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods.

If the ruling is upheld in court, Khan would have to face an abrupt end to his tumultuous political career that began when he was elected to parliament in 2002.

The ruling could fuel political divisions in Pakistan, as Khan had previously said he would lead his supporters in a march to the capital Islamabad to demand early elections.

Khan has already managed to win the polls and won six out of seven seats in the recent polls.

Despite being ousted from power, Khan’s popularity has increased, which was reflected in by-elections held recently in Punjab where Khan’s party swept the polls. The unexpected victory by Khan’s party allowed them to regain control of Punjab province.

Meanwhile, furious with Khan’s disqualification, his party urged supporters on Friday to take to the streets to peacefully condemn the decision.

Scores of Khan’s supporters were seen at the election commission on Friday, chanting slogans against the government.

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