ISLAMABAD: A district and sessions court convicted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case on Saturday, sentencing him to three years in prison.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi Saturday dismissed Chairman Imran Khan’s conviction and arrest in the Toshakhana case, calling the trial court’s “much-feared” judgement state-sanctioned and premeditated.
Qureshi stated: “I reject the court’s verdict and believe it is a politically motivated and predetermined decision which was already expected.”
“Chairman Imran Khan had previously been declaring that the judiciary has made up its resolve to arrest me,” he added, adding, “They are determined to disqualify me which was already revealed in Khan’s public comments.
Qureshi also questioned the judiciary about Khan’s 70-year-old trial after his arrest.
Article 10(1) of the Constitution states: “Every citizen will be given justice.” “Did Khan’s trial meet this criterion?”
“The criteria of justice which is impartiality, and adequate representation, presenting witnesses before the jury, were all these provided to his party head?” the 67-year-old leader asked the judiciary.
“Was there not anyone in the whole judiciary, except Justice Humayun Dilawar, who can fulfil the requirements of justice?” he asked.
Vice Chairman believed “the cases were repeatedly sent to the trial court with expectations that similar verdicts will be issued.”
“And since Imran Khan already expressed his scepticism and indicated that the judiciary’s mind is made up was it not justice that the judge recuse himself? Qureshi said.
“It is to be thought, he said, why this decision was taken in such haste and announced on the weekends.”
The former foreign minister said, “it is a cause of concern that as the verdict is just being announced and the news was just aired on television, the police arrived at Zaman Park to take Imran Khan in.”
“Did the Police know about the decision?”
“It should also be thought that what was the need to break the house gate of Imran Khan?” he remarked.
A person turns oneself in to the police after requesting a warrant. “Imran Khan was mentally prepared with his things packed up, so they should have presented a warrant.”
The PTI leader believes the ruling violated justice.
He added: “PTI will use its right to challenge the decision by knocking on the doors of the higher judiciary.”
He remarked, “We will defend Imran Khan with all legal means.”
PTI bigwig said party’s core committee will decide next steps after meeting. “I am deeply hurt after hearing the decision and wondering where we have arrived.”
“Justice should be seen being served,” Qureshi concluded. It’s the opposite. We proceeded to higher judiciary but were not allowed to defend ourselves.”
“We will knock on the doors of the judiciary whichever is available and the nation is watching.”
Justice denied
Ali Mohammad Khan, a senior party leader, tweeted that the PTI chairman was unjustly treated.
He wanted Imran Khan released immediately.
