PTI’s Legal Team Deems Verdict Biased, Plans Appeal to Higher Courts

Peaceful Protest Announced in Response to Controversial Toshakhana Case Decision

ISLAMABAD: On Saturday, the legal team of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) expressed their strong disapproval of the additional district and sessions judge’s verdict and declared their intention to challenge it in the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

During a press conference in the capital, Shoaib Shaheen, Barrister Gohar Khan, and Naeem Haider Panjutha asserted that the Toshakhana case ruling against Imran Khan was unjust and biased. They emphasized that Article 10A of the Constitution guarantees an absolute right to a fair trial, including the opportunity to defend oneself, access to preparation time, a fair hearing, and an impartial judge.

Shoaib Shaheen contended that the verdict against Imran Khan resembled a fixed match, as they were denied the chance to present witnesses and defend their case properly. He criticized the judge’s premature decision before granting them the opportunity to present their defense, arguing that such an act undermined the essence of justice.

The legal team announced their intent to file a petition against the alleged biased decision in both the High Court and the apex court. They expressed concern over unconstitutional acts directed towards PTI workers, questioning the speed with which the Islamabad police reached Lahore.

Shoaib further noted that while other political figures, including Nawaz Sharif, Asif Zardari, Yusuf Raza Gilani, and Maryam Nawaz, had also received gifts from Toshakhana, Imran Khan’s only alleged offense was a lack of details in his assets statement, which had no provision for such information.

Barrister Gohar Khan revealed that the IHC had been ordered to deliver a decision within seven days. He personally requested the judge to provide a level playing field, but the judge, in his opinion, ignored their constitutional and legal rights.

Another PTI lawyer, Naeem Haider Panjutha, criticized the unlawful operation in Zaman Park and the subsequent detention of the PTI chairman without arrest warrants, labeling them as initial injustices.

A PTI spokesperson called the verdict a blemish on the justice system, asserting that the trial was conducted in an absurd manner under a biased judge, compromising justice in the process.

In response to the controversial judgment, the PTI announced a nationwide peaceful protest against what they perceived as a flawed and biased decision against their chairman in the Toshakhana case. The decision was taken during an emergency core committee meeting chaired by PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

The core committee appealed to the Supreme Court to expedite the review petition and secure the early release of Imran Khan. They emphasized that the PTI would continue to implement their political and organizational strategies peacefully, standing united against the government’s actions.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi addressed the nation in a video message, stating that PTI workers were aware of the nation’s anxiety over the unjust court decision. He called for a peaceful struggle to secure the release of Imran Khan, combining legal battles with political efforts to move forward as a united front.