Imran Khan faces disqualification case over nomination papers

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has set up a new bench to address a disqualification case involving Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The case revolves around allegations that Khan did not disclose his daughter, Tyrian White, in the nomination papers submitted for the 2018 general elections. The bench, comprising Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir, and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz, is scheduled to hear the case on May 21.

This case dates back to May 2023 when a previous three-member bench was dissolved by IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq due to conflicting opinions on the case's maintainability. Justices Mohsin Akhtar Kayani and Arbab Muhammad Tahir had concerns about the petition's maintainability, leading to the bench's dissolution. Despite Justice Tahir's earlier stance on the issue, he has been included in the new bench.

The petitioner, Mohammad Sajid, has accused Imran Khan of omitting Tyrian as his daughter in the 2018 election nomination papers. Sajid alleges that Khan provided inaccurate information by only mentioning two of his three children and failing to declare Tyrian in the documents submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The petition also raises questions about Khan's relationship with Sita White, Tyrian's mother, and the custody arrangements involving Jemima Goldsmith, Khan's former wife. It references a California court ruling confirming Khan as Tyrian's father and the complexities surrounding the paternity issue.

Initially, Imran Khan participated in the proceedings but later withdrew when asked to undergo a paternity test.

The establishment of the new bench by the Islamabad High Court signifies a crucial development in the ongoing disqualification case against Imran Khan. The case's focus on the alleged non-disclosure of Tyrian White in the election nomination papers has raised significant legal and ethical questions. As the proceedings continue, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for Khan's political career and the transparency of the electoral process in Pakistan.