Pakistan’s ex-prime minister, Imran Khan, has urged his followers to gear up for countrywide demonstrations and declared his intention to contest his conviction in the Islamabad High Court following his and his spouse, Bushra Bibi’s, 17-year prison sentence in the Toshakhana-II corruption case on Saturday.
While incarcerated, the PTI leader has no access to his social media accounts. In a conversation relayed by his attorney, he informed that he had directed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi, to ready the groundwork for a protest movement. Emphasizing the need for a collective effort, he stated, “The entire nation must stand up for its rights.”
Imran Khan expressed that the verdict in this case was anticipated, prompting him to instruct his legal representatives to challenge the ruling in the higher court. Denouncing the judgment as baseless and rushed, he criticized the judge for allegedly disregarding evidence and legal protocols. He lamented that his legal team was sidelined during the proceedings.
Asserting the crucial role of the Insaf Lawyers Forum and the legal fraternity in upholding the law and the constitution, the PTI chief stressed the vital link between justice and economic progress. He highlighted the necessity of fair legal processes for fostering economic development.