ISLAMABAD: The PML-N and PTI deserters on Saturday hailed the verdict against former PM Imran Khan in Toshakhana case, whereas the PTI termed it a decision of a “kangaroo court”.

The Supreme Court Bar Association expressed its reservations and termed the decision against principles of fairness, natural justice and due process of law.

Speaking at a news conference, Federal Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb dismissed speculations that there was a political motive behind the arrest and conviction of the PTI chairman, stating the verdict had come after a one-year investigation.

She said, during this period, the police were attacked, and petrol bombs were used against officials of law enforcement agencies. She claimed that Mr Khan used all possible forums to avoid accountability, but he had no answer to any question, and finally, the law took its course.

Imran’s party announces countrywide protest, terms it ‘kangaroo court’ decision

State Minister of Interior Atta Tarar said the PTI wanted to drag the case for years but the court reached a conclusion that the party had no evidence to prove Mr Khan was innocent.

Talking to reporters, Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party Secretary Inform­a­tion and PTI deserter Firdous Ashiq Awan said the PTI chairman was himself responsible for the current development. “Now Imran Khan is a criminal and it is only because of his wife,” she remarked.

In Lahore, jubilant PML-N leaders and workers distributed sweets.

Hamza Shehbaz, son of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, praised ADSJ Humayun Dilawar for convicting Mr Khan.

“Finally, the man who used to accuse others of wrongdoing is found of corrupt practices,” he said.

In Faisalabad, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said Mr Khan was facing consequences of his misdeeds and malice. Talking to media, he said the judge gave Mr Khan opportunity to make his defe­nce for seven months but he ignored it.

Separately, Senator Sherry Rehman criticised Mr Khan for his incompetence and said his government was most incompetent government in Pakistani history, adds APP.

“Instead of fighting the case of Occupied Kashmir against India, they announced two minutes of silence every Friday. Imran Khan’s incompetence and anti-Kashmir vision will not be excused under any circumstances,” she said.

The PTI termed the verdict “biased, one-sided, ridiculous and unlawful” from a “kangaroo” court in absentia and announced a countrywide protest against it.

The call for the protest was given by the party after a meeting of the PTI’s Core Committee presided over by party’s Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi. The core committee also appealed to the Supreme Court to hear the PTI’s review petition against the decision sans any delay to ensure early release of the party chairman.

Mr Qureshi also released a video-message saying the court’s verdict was “politically motivated” and “state sanctioned”.

“We will defend Imran Khan with all legal means,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, SCBA president Barrister Abid Zuberi, and secretary Muqtedir Akhtar Shabbir in a joint statement expressed their “serious reservations” over the legality of the judgement and termed it a blatant violation of the Islamabad High Court’s order earlier in the day.

They said IHC had remanded the issue of maintainability back to the additional sessions judge, directing him to decide the issue of maintainability afresh. However, the judge, instead of deciding the matter afresh, dismissed the application in haste.

Tariq Saeed in Toba Tek Singh and Mansoor Malik in Lahore also contributed to this report.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2023