Jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced plans to challenge the recent Toshakhana-II verdict, vowing to appeal the decision in the Islamabad High Court. Following his sentencing to 17 years in prison alongside his wife, Bushra Bibi, Khan has urged his supporters to prepare for nationwide street protests. The conviction stems from a corruption case concerning gifts received during his tenure as prime minister.
Communicating through his lawyer, Khan expressed his determination to fight the ruling, which he claims was made hastily and without proper evidence. He stated, “The entire nation will have to rise for its rights.” He also called upon the Insaf Lawyers Forum and the broader legal community to actively defend the rule of law and the Constitution.
The PTI has vehemently condemned the verdict, labeling it a “textbook case of victimisation” and an act of “political revenge.” The Toshakhana-II case specifically pertains to the alleged undervaluation of an expensive jewelry set gifted by the Saudi Crown Prince. The sentences were delivered by Judge Shahrukh Arjumand within Adiala jail, where Khan is currently detained. Both Khan and his wife received identical 17-year sentences, along with a significant fine, though the court noted their age and gender in its sentencing considerations.
