Imran Khan Calls for Nationwide Protests After 17-Year Toshakhana Sentence

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan has urged his supporters to prepare for nationwide protests after he was handed a 17-year prison sentence in the Toshakhana-II case. The verdict was announced in Islamabad, where Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were convicted on corruption charges. His legal team says they will challenge the ruling in the Islamabad High Court. The case has sparked strong reactions across Pakistan. It has also raised new questions about the country’s justice system.

Khan sent his message through his lawyers because he no longer has access to his social media accounts. According to Reuters and other major outlets, he asked the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister to begin planning a mass movement. His party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, has called the verdict political and unlawful. The ruling has also stirred public debate in major cities.

Imran Khan Sentence Triggers Political Tension Across Pakistan

According to Dawn and other trusted news sources, Khan said the ruling did not surprise him. He said the verdict came in haste and without proper legal process. His legal team claimed they were not fully heard in court. They said the charges rested on weak evidence.

PTI leaders argued that the goal of the conviction was to keep Khan in jail. They said the judiciary was being used to pressure the opposition. Reuters reported that senior PTI members called the judgment a case of political revenge. They said it would deepen mistrust between the public and the government.

Public reaction has been strong in Lahore and Peshawar. Many residents told ANI that they no longer trust the courts. They said recent cases have been handled unfairly. Some said the system now seems to punish political rivals instead of seeking justice.

The Toshakhana-II case involves a jewellery set worth over PKR 71 million. It was a gift from Saudi Arabia, and investigators said it was undervalued for personal gain. The court ruled that Khan had violated trust and misused state assets. The sentence covers corruption and breach of trust charges.

Impact of the Imran Khan Verdict on Pakistan’s Politics

The sentence is expected to increase political tension in Pakistan. Analysts said it will test stability in a nation already facing economic challenges. Khan remains a powerful voice, even from prison. His supporters see him as a victim of political targeting.

The ruling may also shape future elections. It could influence voter turnout and public confidence. Political experts told AP that the sentence may deepen polarisation in the country. Many fear the crisis could slow economic recovery and weaken institutions further.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why was Imran Khan sentenced?

He was sentenced in the Toshakhana-II case. The court said he undervalued a costly gift and broke trust laws. The sentence is 17 years for him and his wife.

Q2: What did Imran Khan say after the ruling?

He said he was not surprised. He said the verdict came without proper process. He told supporters to prepare for a street movement.

Q3: What is the Toshakhana-II case about?

It involves a Bulgari jewellery set worth over PKR 71 million. It was a gift from Saudi Arabia. Officials said it was undervalued for personal gain.

Q4: How has the public reacted?

Many people in Lahore and Peshawar expressed doubt about the verdict. They said trust in the justice system is low. They also called the process unfair.

Q5: Will Imran Khan appeal?

Yes. His legal team plans to challenge the verdict. They will take the case to the Islamabad High Court.