Shoaib Shaheen, a senior leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and lawyer for Imran Khan, has accused the government of weaponizing the Toshakhana case as an act of political vendetta. Speaking outside Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan is currently detained, Shaheen criticized the judiciary and government for their selective approach to justice.
“This Toshakhana case is purely political revenge,” Shaheen remarked, highlighting discrepancies in the treatment of other political leaders. “Nawaz Sharif purchased a bulletproof car for six lakh rupees, yet neither the FIA nor NAB acted. Meanwhile, courts remain silent on cases against Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari, while Imran Khan’s cases are being pushed through at lightning speed,” he added.
Shaheen also dismissed the allegations in the Al-Qadir Trust case, claiming they lack substance. “There was no financial loss; Pakistan received £190 million. Still, they’ve painted Imran Khan as a criminal,” he argued.
He further criticized the lack of accountability for other influential figures, citing Hassan Nawaz, who allegedly sold property worth Rs. 9 billion for Rs. 18 billion, without facing any investigation.
On recent judicial developments, Shaheen claimed that Judge Ijaz Asif of Rawalpindi was made an OSD, while judges ruling against Imran Khan are being rewarded.
He also condemned the events of November 26, alleging state violence during protests. “It was a massacre—sniper shots were fired, and no one has been held accountable. We demand the release of those detained and the formation of a judicial commission,” he stated.
Shaheen warned of severe repercussions if the government does not respond to their demands by Sunday. “Overseas Pakistanis will stop sending remittances, and we will intensify the call for civil disobedience. If our demands are met, we will end our protest; otherwise, we will escalate it,” he declared.
Aleema Khan, Imran Khan’s sister and a PTI leader, also addressed the media, stating that the Al-Qadir Trust case would likely be contested in the High Court, a process that could take up to six months. “Imran Khan is expected to remain in jail for at least three to four months,” she said.
She further alleged that those arrested during the November 26 protests were being subjected to additional charges, with no intention from the government to release them. “Despite Imran Khan’s clear demands, the government is unwilling to release those detained or address the calls for a judicial commission on the events of May 9 and November 26,” she concluded.
