Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), filed a plea in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) . He asked the court to suspend his sentence in the Toshakhana-2 case. Additionally, he requested bail on medical and humanitarian grounds.
The 73-year-old leader submitted the application through Barristers Salman Safdar and Salman Akram Raja. The plea stressed that a blood clot in his right eye has reduced his vision to only 15%. Lawyers warned that the jail cannot provide proper treatment. Therefore, they argued that his condition requires immediate medical attention outside prison.
Moreover, the legal team requested an early hearing of a related plea in the Al-Qadir Trust case, also referred to as the £190 million scam. They emphasized the urgency due to both legal and medical reasons.
Claims of Political Victimization
The plea accused the government of targeting Imran Khan with politically motivated cases. Lawyers claimed that his conviction in the Toshakhana-2 case is part of a “relentless campaign of political victimization.”
Since his removal from office, Imran and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, have faced multiple prosecutions across various jurisdictions. Consequently, lawyers said these actions reflect a pattern of harassment and intimidation.
Investigative Agencies Allegedly Manipulated
Furthermore, the plea alleged that agencies like the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) served political agendas. Lawyers said opponents repeatedly used these agencies to settle political scores.
“Investigative agencies have acted as instruments of political pressure,” the plea read. Therefore, lawyers asked the court to intervene and ensure Imran receives timely medical care.
Toshakhana-2 Case: Background and Conviction
The Toshakhana-2 case involved Imran and Bushra acquiring a Bulgari jewellery set at a nominal price. NAB began the investigation and arrested the couple in July 2024. Meanwhile, they spent 37 days in NAB custody at Adiala Jail.
After completing the investigation, NAB filed a reference in August. Subsequently, following the Supreme Court’s restoration of NAB amendments, the case moved to the FIA Anti-Corruption Court. The court conducted 80 hearings at Adiala Jail.
Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand convicted the couple on two charges. He sentenced Imran and Bushra to 10 years each under sections 34 and 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Additionally, the court imposed seven more years under section 5 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. The court also fined them Rs16.4 million. Importantly, the judge considered Imran’s age and Bushra’s gender while passing the sentence.
Legal Team Pushes for Immediate Bail
Lawyers argued that the court must grant bail and suspend the sentence to ensure proper medical care. Furthermore, they emphasized that Imran’s serious eye condition requires urgent attention. The plea highlighted ongoing political pressure and the necessity for judicial protection.
Consequently, the case underscores rising tensions in Pakistan’s political landscape. Moreover, it draws attention to the intersection of medical emergencies and high-profile legal proceedings.
