Imran Khan Calls for Nationwide Protests Following Court Sentencing

Imran Khan's Response to Court Ruling

Islamabad: Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated, has urged citizens to engage in nationwide protests and has declared his plan to contest the court's ruling in the Toshakhana-II case at the Islamabad High Court, according to local news reports on Sunday.

This announcement followed a recent court decision that sentenced both Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years in prison related to the Toshakhana-II case.

Due to his imprisonment, Khan does not have access to his social media accounts.

In a message relayed to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Khan emphasized the need for the nation to unite for their rights, stating, "The entire nation will have to rise for its rights," as reported by his lawyer on X.

Khan expressed that the court's verdict was anticipated, yet he instructed his legal team to appeal against it in the high court.

He remarked, "Similar to the unfounded judgments and sentences over the past three years, the Toshakhana-II ruling is not unexpected. This decision was hastily made by the judge without any evidence or adherence to legal protocols," adding that his legal representation was not adequately heard.

Khan called upon the Insaf Lawyers Forum and the broader legal community to advocate for the rule of law and the restoration of the Constitution.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party described the sentence as "blatantly unconstitutional, illegal, malicious, and a prime example of political retribution and victimization."

The Toshakhana-2 corruption case revolves around the acquisition of an expensive jewelry set, which was gifted to Khan by the Saudi Crown Prince during an official visit in May 2021, purchased at a minimal cost.

The ruling was delivered by Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) during proceedings held at Rawalpindi's Adiala jail, where Khan is currently detained.

According to the ruling, Khan received a total of 17 years in prison, comprising 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and an additional seven years under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Bushra Bibi was also sentenced to 17 years under the same legal statutes.

Moreover, both were imposed a fine of Rs 16.4 million, with the possibility of additional imprisonment for failure to pay.

The court noted that while issuing the sentences, it took into account Khan's advanced age and the fact that Bushra Bibi is a woman, which influenced the decision to impose a lighter sentence.