The Election Commission of Pakistan debarred former Prime Minister Imran Khan for five years on Friday, 21 October, for allegedly concealing proceeds from the sale of gifts he received from foreign leaders.

Why has the Election Commission of Pakistan banned Imran Khan?

The government that is currently in power took action against Khan after filing a complaint with the Election Commission in August, asking for his disqualification for failing to disclose the proceeds from the sale of gifts he bought at a reduced price from the state repository, also known as Toshakhana.

The four-member ECP bench further stated that legal action would be taken against him for violating the laws against corrupt behaviour.

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According to sources, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) head has been barred from office for five years under Article 63(i)(iii) for making a false declaration in the toshakhana case.

He was found guilty of “not providing details” regarding toshakhana gifts and sales earnings while he was prime minister by the Pakistani Election Commission.

On August 4, parliamentarians from the ruling coalition’s Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) submitted a request for the PTI leader’s disqualification from holding public office in accordance with Articles 62 and 63 of the constitution. National demonstrations against the poll panel’s decision have been called by the PTI.

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According to Pakistani media reports earlier this year, Imran Khan earned Rs 36 million by illegally selling three watches given to him by foreign dignitaries to a local watch dealer.

PTI Secretary General Asad Umar, on the other hand, stated that the ECP’s decision would be challenged in the Islamabad High Court.

During official visits as Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Khan allegedly received costly gifts from Arab rulers. These gifts were placed in the Toshakhana. Later, he purchased it at a reduced price in accordance with the applicable laws and resold it for a large profit, according to the report.