ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan has complained of "Victimisation" that he faced during hearing of NAB amendments case hearing in Supreme Court.

Jailed PTI founder appeared before Supreme Court's five-member bench via video link from Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, where has been incarcerated since his conviction in Toshakhana case last year.

SC bench headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Aminuddin, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi heard case. Presenting his arguments, Khan told bench that unannounced "Martial law" had been imposed in country and he was convicted in matter of five days to keep him from general elections.

He cited an example of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, saying latter was released on bail ahead of Indian general elections to run campaign. Khan expressed dismay over SC's judgment rejecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's government plea requesting live streaming of case.

"You wrote [in judgment] that I did political point scoring during last hearing. I did not get it, what political scoring did I resort to," PTI founder asked CJP. At this, CJP said judge does not owe an explanation to anyone over verdict.

"You can file review petition," top judge said in response to Khan's question. CJP also asked former premier to speak only about matter currently pending before court.

PTI founder lamented that he was sentenced to 14 years in Toshakhana case, claiming that prosecution falsely estimated value of watch he received from foreign dignitary as Prime Minister at Rs 3 billion.

Lamenting political victimisation, PTI founder said Supreme Court should appoint NAB Chairman. "When opposition and government fail to evolve consensus on name of NAB chairman appointment then 'Third umpire' makes decision," he said, adding that anti-graft body is working under "Third umpire".

Addressing PTI founder, Justice Minallah said, Khan sahib, there was no reason to declare NAB amendments invalid." "You might not have read my note. What is left of NAB after your statement," judge added. He asked Khan whether he still trusted NAB.

"After what NAB did to me in 5 days, what credibility is left," PTI founder replied. Khan said he was currently facing NAB inquiries and called for improvement in anti-corruption body. CJP Isa told Khan that he was talking about two different things. "On one hand you are talking about accountability and on other you gave amnesty."

Khan said he rolled out tax amnesty during his stint in power to mainstream black economy. "Solve problems by sitting in Parliament. This country needs to move forward," CJP remarked.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 07 2024

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