Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan (73) and his wife Bushra Bibi were on Saturday sentenced to 17 years of imprisonment by a court in the Toshakhana-2 corruption case. Imran Khan has called for nationwide protests against this sentence. In view of this, more than 1,300 police officers and security personnel were deployed in Rawalpindi on Saturday to maintain law and order.
Imran Khan is facing several legal cases after being ousted from power in April 2022 and in jail since August 2023. Speaking to his lawyers in Adiala jail, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder urged his supporters to hold nationwide protests. He described the punishment in the Toshakhana-2 corruption case as a ‘military style trial’.
According to the Express Tribune report, two superintendents of police, seven deputy superintendents, 29 inspectors and SHOs, 92 senior subordinates and 340 constables have been deployed to maintain law and order in Rawalpindi. Apart from this, seven sections of Elite Force Commando, 22 units of Rapid Emergency and 400 personnel of Anti-Riot Management Wing have been deployed. Police set up 32 pickets at key locations, which are being monitored by senior officials, while elite forces are patrolling. Security personnel have been provided with riot-control equipment including rubber bullets and tear gas launchers.
related news
Also read: Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi sentenced to 17 years, PAK court’s decision in corruption case
Imran Khan said in X Post, ‘I have sent a message to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to prepare for the movement by taking to the streets. The entire nation will have to rise up for its rights. The Toshakhana-2 case relates to alleged fraud in state gifts received from the Saudi government in 2021. Imran Khan said that the 17-year imprisonment given to him is not surprising and his legal team will challenge this decision in the High Court.
Imran Khan claimed that this decision was given in a hurry, his side was not even heard. He alleged that he and his wife were being subjected to mental torture by keeping them in solitary confinement. Books, TV and meetings are banned. Meanwhile, apart from PTI, Jamaat-e-Islami has also announced a protest on Sunday against the ‘Black Local Government Act 2025’ in Punjab. JeM has called it a black law and has called for protest against it from Lahore to Faisalabad, Multan to Rawalpindi.
—- End —-
