Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has called for nationwide protests following his conviction in the Toshakhana-II case. The ruling has sparked widespread reactions across political and public circles.
Through his legal team, Imran Khan stated that the verdict did not come as a surprise. He described it as a politically motivated decision. Because he is currently incarcerated, Khan cannot directly access social media. However, a message attributed to him was shared by PTI-affiliated accounts. The message instructed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to prepare for a public movement.
“The nation must stand up for its constitutional rights,” Imran Khan reportedly said. He also directed his legal team to immediately file an appeal against the judgment.
Khan criticised the trial process, claiming the verdict was issued hastily. He said legal procedures were not properly followed, and his defence was not adequately heard. He called the conviction part of a series of “baseless decisions” issued over the last three years.
The PTI issued a statement condemning the ruling, calling it unconstitutional, unlawful, and politically motivated. Party leaders argued that the conviction aimed to prolong Khan’s imprisonment and silence political opposition.
At a press conference, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja shared that Imran Khan had sent a clear message of resistance. He emphasised that Khan would not seek forgiveness or compromise under pressure.
Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, criticised the verdict, alleging that judicial decisions against her brother followed a “pre-determined script.” She said the family had anticipated the ruling and questioned repeated sentencing on similar charges. She also raised concerns about the treatment of Bushra Bibi, citing her alleged solitary confinement.
Separately, PTI leader Omar Ayub called the judgment a “kangaroo court” decision, claiming it violated basic legal principles.
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The conviction has further intensified political tensions in Pakistan. PTI leaders have indicated that nationwide protest activities will escalate in the coming days, reflecting the party’s strong opposition to the ruling.
