Imran Khan faces legal challenge over paternity allegations

A recent development in the legal landscape of Pakistan involves a petition filed in the Supreme Court to challenge the Islamabad High Court's ruling in the Tyrian White case, which revolves around Imran Khan, the prominent figure behind Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The petition, lodged under Article 185(3) of the Constitution, lists the former prime minister, the Election Commission of Pakistan, and the Federal Ministry of Law as respondents. It urges the highest court in the country to invalidate the decision made by the Islamabad High Court.

In the background of this case, the Islamabad High Court had previously dismissed a plea seeking Khan's disqualification for allegedly failing to disclose his purported daughter in the nomination papers submitted for the 2018 general elections. This legal matter, which dates back to May 2023, was deliberated upon by a panel of three judges before being dissolved by the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court.

The petitioner's primary request to the Supreme Court is to reverse the Islamabad High Court's ruling and declare Imran Khan ineligible for holding any public office. The petition raises concerns about whether the viewpoints of two judges can be deemed as a formal judgment and contests the Islamabad High Court's rejection of the disqualification plea against Khan.

The petitioner's argument centers on the allegation that Khan provided false information in his nomination papers by concealing the existence of his third child. It is claimed that Khan refrained from marrying Sita White, Tyrian's mother, due to financial constraints, and that the custody of Tyrian was entrusted to Jemima Goldsmith, Khan's former spouse.

Moreover, the petitioner cites a paternity ruling from a California court that confirms Imran Khan as Tyrian's biological father. The article also touches upon Khan's initial involvement in the legal proceedings and subsequent withdrawal when requested to undergo a paternity test.

The legal battle surrounding Imran Khan and the Tyrian White case continues to unfold, with the Supreme Court now poised to review the Islamabad High Court's decision. This case underscores the importance of transparency and accuracy in the submission of nomination papers for electoral candidates, shedding light on the complexities of legal proceedings and public office eligibility.