Shoaib Shaheen, lawyer for Imran Khan and a senior leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has accused the government of using the Toshakhana case as a tool for political revenge. Shaheen made the remarks outside Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan is currently incarcerated.
“This Toshakhana case is nothing but an act of vengeance,” Shaheen said, pointing to the contrast in the treatment of other political figures. “Nawaz Sharif bought a bulletproof car for six lakh rupees, but neither the FIA nor the NAB took any action. Courts are not hearing cases against Asif Zardari or Nawaz Sharif, yet Imran Khan’s cases are being fast-tracked,” he added.
Shaheen also claimed that the allegations against Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case are unfounded. “No financial loss occurred, and Pakistan received 190 million pounds, but they still turned Imran Khan into a criminal,” he stated.
Shaheen further criticised the lack of action against other influential figures, citing the example of Hassan Nawaz, who allegedly sold property worth 9 billion rupees for 18 billion, without facing any charges or investigation.
Regarding the recent judicial developments, Shaheen remarked that “Judge Ijaz Asif of Rawalpindi, made an OSD while judges who give verdicts against Imran Khan are rewarded.”
Shaheen also spoke about the events of November 26, referring to the protests and alleged state violence. “A massacre took place, but the state remains silent. There were sniper shots fired, and yet no one has been held accountable.
We demand the release of those arrested and the formation of a judicial commission,” he said.
Shaheen warned that if the government does not take action by Sunday, overseas Pakistanis will stop sending remittances, and they will continue their call for civil disobedience. “If our demands are met, we will call off the protest, but if not, overseas Pakistanis will stop sending money.”
Aleema Khan, another PTI leader and Imran Khan’s sister, also spoke to the press, saying that the Al-Qadir Trust case would likely be challenged in the High Court, a process that could take up to six months. “Imran Khan will likely remain in jail for the next three to four months,” she added.
She also claimed that those arrested during the November 26 protests were facing additional charges, and the government had no intention of releasing them. “The government has no intention of releasing people, despite two clear demands from Imran Khan,” she said, reiterating the call for a judicial commission on the events of May 9 and November 26.
