By ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) dismissed a petition seeking Imran Khan’s disqualification over allegations regarding his alleged daughter, Tyrian White.
New Bench and Allegations
A new bench, comprising Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir, and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz, heard the case. The petition accused Khan of not disclosing Tyrian White in his 2018 nomination papers.
Previous Bench and Dissolution
This case had been pending since May 2023 after IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq dissolved the previous three-member bench. The dissolution followed differing opinions by two judges about the plea’s maintainability.
Original Bench and Verdict
The original bench, including IHC CJ Aamer Farooq, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, and Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, reserved their verdict on March 30 of the previous year. However, the opinions of Justice Kayani and Justice Tahir, which dismissed the petition’s maintainability, were later removed from the website due to the lack of the chief justice’s signature.
Today’s Hearing
During today’s hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer, Advocate Hamid Ali Shah, noted that Salman Akram Raja had filed an adjournment petition. Khan’s lawyer, Naeem Haider Panjhuta, argued that the matter had been settled, and the verdict was initially uploaded before the bench was reconstituted.
Judge’s Query and Advocate’s Response
Justice Jahangiri queried Panjhuta’s role in the case, and he responded that he was acting as a proxy counsel. The judge acknowledged the previous opinions of Justices Kayani and Tahir, highlighting the absence of the chief justice’s endorsement.
Additional Time Requested
Advocate Shah requested more time to prepare, citing the need to review the verdict. Justice Jahangiri emphasized that the IHC chief justice had recused himself and the majority decision had already dismissed the disqualification plea.
Petitioner’s Allegations
The petitioner, Mohammad Sajid, alleged that Imran Khan had not disclosed Tyrian White in his 2018 nomination papers, thus providing incorrect information to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The petition argued that Khan, despite having three children, mentioned only two, concealing the existence of his third child.
Further Claims
Further claims included that Khan did not marry Tyrian’s mother, Sita White, due to financial threats from her father. The petition, titled “Imran versus Imran — the untold story,” stated that Tyrian’s custody was entrusted to Jemima Goldsmith, Khan’s former wife, as per Sita White’s will dated February 27, 2004. The petition also referenced a paternity judgment from a California court declaring Khan as Tyrian’s father.
Khan’s Withdrawal
Despite initially engaging in the proceedings, Khan later withdrew after being asked to undergo a blood test.
Conclusion
The IHC’s decision to dismiss the petition reaffirms the previous majority ruling, thus closing this chapter in the legal battle concerning Imran Khan’s political qualifications.
