• In letter to chief justice, lawyer requests urgent hearing on £190m, Toshakhana cases
• Alleges political victimisation and misuse of criminal law

ISLAMABAD: Counsel for PTI founder Imran Khan has written to the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), seeking consolidation of all cases pending against him before the high court and requesting urgent hearings, particularly in the matters relating to the suspension of his sentence in £190 million corruption and Toshakhana cases.

In the letter, the counsel submitted that several petitions filed on behalf of Imran Khan are currently pending before different benches of the IHC, arising out of various FIRs and proceedings. He argued that the multiplicity of cases and their fixation before different benches has created serious legal and practical difficulties, not only for the petitioner but also for the court system.

The lawyer maintained that most of the cases involve common questions of law and fact, including allegations of political victimisation, misuse of criminal law, and denial of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. In this context, he requested that all matters pertaining to Imran Khan be clubbed and heard together by an appropriate bench to ensure consistent and effective adjudication.

Referring specifically to the petition seeking suspension of Imran Khan’s sentence, the lawyer stressed that the matter involves the liberty of a former prime minister and the leader of the country’s largest opposition party. He contended that continued incarceration, despite pending legal remedies, amounts to grave injustice and violates the right to due process.

The letter stated that the suspension plea has been pending for some time and that repeated adjournments or delayed fixation have caused serious prejudice to the petitioner. The counsel urged the chief justice to exercise administrative powers to fix the case for an urgent hearing, keeping in view its constitutional and legal significance.

The lawyer further argued that Imran Khan is facing an extraordinary number of cases across different forums, many of which, he claimed, stem from similar facts and alleged actions.

He submitted that such fragmentation of litigation not only prolongs proceedings but also burdens the judiciary and increases the risk of conflicting orders.

According to the letter, consolidation of the cases would serve the interests of justice, judicial economy, and transparency. The counsel maintained that hearing all related matters together would enable the court to comprehensively examine the legal issues involved and pass effective orders.

The letter also highlighted that Imran Khan, being in custody, faces serious difficulties in pursuing multiple proceedings simultaneously.

The counsel argued that access to legal remedies is a fundamental right and should not be rendered illusory by procedural hurdles or delays.

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2026