Hasty Verdict
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been sentenced to 14 years in prison with rigorous punishment by an accountability court in Islamabad on Wednesday in the Toshakhana reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
In addition to the prison sentence, the court imposed a fine of Rs1.5 billion on the former prime minister and his wife, while also disqualifying him from holding public office for 10 years. The verdict prompted reactions from PTI, leaders of other political parties, as well as legal and political experts, who shared their views on the timing of the accountability court’s decision, just days before the country’s general elections scheduled for February 8.
PTI leader and senior lawyer Ali Zafar criticized the judgment, claiming it was hastily issued, and justice requirements were not fulfilled. He highlighted the denial of the right to cross-examine witnesses, emphasizing that the verdict was issued before the high court could hear the case.
Aitzaz Ahsan, addressing the media, anticipated the suspension of sentences by the high court and suggested expediting appeals before the upcoming polls. He criticized the lack of defense rights during the sentencing and emphasized the potential economic repercussions and global perception of the verdict.
Senior lawyer and PTI leader Hamid Khan stated that the party would appeal both convictions, citing legal violations and asserting the pursuit of constitutional remedies. PML-N leader Ata Tarar accused Imran Khan of extensive corruption, alleging the sale of gifts on the black market and characterizing him as a “fraud and a corrupt person.”
PPP leader Faisal Karim Kundi remarked on Khan’s ineligibility for any position and predicted a shift in support among independent candidates associated with PTI.
Senior journalist Mazhar Abbas raised questions about the timing of the verdict and anticipated scrutiny over the rushed trial. He highlighted the polarized nature of politics and the potential legal challenges ahead for PTI.
Legal expert Mustafa Ramdey emphasized the accused’s right to pursue legal options against the decision, indicating the possibility of approaching the high court for redress. Overall, amidst election anticipation, PTI decries hasty verdict in Toshakhana case, citing injustice and concerns over due process compliance.
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