Imran Khan Calls for Nationwide Protests After 17-Year Sentence

Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, has called on his supporters to prepare for nationwide protests following his conviction and subsequent 17-year prison sentence alongside his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Toshakhana-II corruption case. Khan conveyed his message through his legal team, as he currently lacks access to his social media accounts. He intends to challenge the verdict, which he claims is unjust, in the Islamabad High Court.

In a conversation with his legal representative, Khan instructed the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, to mobilize efforts for a mass movement. “I have sent a message to [Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister] Sohail Afridi to prepare for the street movement. The entire nation will have to rise for its rights,” he stated. While expressing disappointment over the verdict, Khan emphasized that he had prepared his legal team to contest the ruling, describing it as hasty and lacking evidence. He criticized the judicial process, claiming it did not fulfill legal requirements, and noted that his team was not adequately heard during proceedings.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the political party founded by Khan, has condemned the court’s decision as “blatantly unconstitutional, illegal, and malicious.” Party officials allege that the sentencing is a tactic to extend Khan’s imprisonment and alleviate pressure on what they describe as a “petrified ruling clique.” They have raised concerns about political victimization facilitated by a “subservient” judiciary, which they argue undermines the rule of law in Pakistan.

At a press conference, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja reiterated Khan’s commitment to his cause, quoting him as saying, “I am standing firm and resolute and will not seek an apology from anyone, come what may.” Raja further asserted that the case relied heavily on promissory notes, lacking substantial evidence to support the allegations against Khan and his wife. “They have no witnesses except the person whom the PTI founder himself brought forward,” he claimed.

The sentencing has sparked significant concern regarding the integrity of Pakistan’s judicial system. The Toshakhana-II case involves allegations that Khan undervalued a Bulgari jewelry set worth over PKR 71 million, which he reportedly received from the Saudi Crown Prince. Both Khan and Bibi were found guilty of criminal breach of trust and corruption.

As Khan prepares to challenge the verdict, the political climate in Pakistan remains tense. His call for protests reflects a growing discontent among his supporters and raises questions about the future of governance in the country. The outcome of his appeal could have far-reaching implications not only for his political career but also for the broader landscape of Pakistan’s democracy.