ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI/PESHAWAR:
Imran Khan, former Prime Minister and founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has firmly rejected the idea of negotiating for his release following his conviction in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case. After the verdict was announced on Friday, Imran Khan spoke to the media inside the courtroom, emphasizing his commitment to his principles, regardless of the personal cost.
“I will not make any deals or seek any relief. Those who stand against tyranny are punished,” Imran stated, as PTI leaders outside Adiala Jail strongly criticized the ruling. They declared the day a “black day” for the country, accusing the government of continuing its political persecution of the former ruling party.
Imran also took to his social media platform X to address his supporters, calling the judgment a “joke” and reassuring them not to lose hope. “I will never accept this dictatorship,” he wrote. “I am ready to stay in prison for as long as needed in the fight against this tyranny. I will never compromise on my principles or the quest for the true freedom of the nation.”
Imran criticized the judiciary, claiming it has lost its credibility following the decision in the Al-Qadir Trust case. “Judges who support tyranny are rewarded. The newly nominated judges for the Islamabad High Court seem to only have one qualification: to rule against me,” he said, accusing the verdict’s outcome of being preordained. He further claimed that the sentencing and case details were leaked to the media in advance.
On the issue of negotiations with the government, Imran questioned their value, especially without progress on PTI’s demands for a judicial inquiry into significant events like the May 9, 2023, protests and the November 26, 2024, incidents. “Dishonest individuals avoid neutral intervention,” he argued.
PTI leaders rallied outside the jail, condemning the verdict. Barrister Gohar emphasized that Imran Khan had not profited from the Al-Qadir Trust case, asserting that the PTI leader was merely a trustee. He also expressed regret over the seven-year sentence given to Bushra Bibi, calling it unjust.
Omar Ayub, another PTI leader, criticized the selective application of justice, referencing the lack of inquiry into Hassan Nawaz’s financial dealings. Shibli Faraz also condemned the judicial system, claiming that while the corrupt go unpunished, innocent people like Imran face wrongful convictions.
PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry labeled the decision as “political misuse of NAB,” emphasizing the absence of any evidence of financial corruption in the case. He declared the ruling nonsensical and a direct attack on Imran Khan.
Opposition leaders also voiced their disapproval. Mahmood Khan Achakzai from the Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) described the ruling as an affront to justice and vowed to challenge it in every possible forum. Majlis-e-Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen’s Allama Raja Nasir Abbas referred to the verdict as a “murder of justice,” while Sunni Ittehad Council’s Sahibzada Hamid Raza criticized the pre-determined nature of the judgment.
PTI’s Zartaj Gul expressed her unwavering support for Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, stating that the PTI leadership would continue to seek justice through legal channels. “No matter how much they try to break him, they cannot intimidate or bend Imran Khan,” she concluded, reaffirming the PTI’s commitment to stand by its leader.
