ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, has strongly rejected the conviction and subsequent arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan in the Toshakhana corruption case. Qureshi called the trial court’s ruling “premeditated,” expressing his belief that the verdict was politically motivated and expected.
Speaking to a private news channel, Qureshi quoted Imran Khan, who had earlier expressed concerns about the judiciary’s intentions and claimed that they were determined to disqualify him. The PTI Vice Chairman questioned whether Khan had been granted a fair trial, emphasizing the constitutional right to justice for every citizen.
PTI Doubts Impartiality of Judiciary
Qureshi raised doubts about the impartiality of the judiciary, asking if adequate representation and witness presentation were provided during Khan’s trial. He also questioned the judge’s recusal, considering Khan’s public expressions of mistrust in the judiciary.
“The cases were repeatedly sent to the trial court with expectations of a predetermined outcome,” Qureshi asserted, expressing surprise at the haste with which the verdict was announced on the weekends and followed immediately by Khan’s arrest.
The former foreign minister expressed concern over the manner of Khan’s arrest, as police reportedly arrived at his residence in Zaman Park shortly after the verdict was aired on television. Qureshi questioned whether the police were already informed about the decision.
Rejecting the verdict, Qureshi stated that PTI would exercise its right to challenge the conviction through the higher judiciary. He assured that the party would defend Imran Khan using all legal means available and that the PTI core committee would decide on the next course of action.
Meanwhile, senior PTI leader Ali Mohammad Khan voiced disappointment, asserting that Imran Khan did not receive justice. He expressed hope for Khan’s swift release and stated that the nation would closely observe the developments in the case.
