Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) strongly condemned the Toshakhana II verdict on Saturday, calling it unconstitutional and unprecedented. The party warned it could deepen political instability and public disappointment. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan said the verdict sentenced the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi to a combined 60 years in prison.
Gohar described the ruling as a grave miscarriage of justice, saying, “justice has been murdered today.” He criticized repeated trials for the same offense, calling it the first instance in Pakistan’s history. He alleged that extra-constitutional forces were deliberately blocking the path toward democracy and undermining public trust in institutions.
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The PTI chairman highlighted the case background, stating that allegations regarding undeclared Toshakhana gifts first emerged in August 2022. He claimed multiple references were filed over already declared items, with trials conducted quickly and without full cross-examination. Gohar emphasized that repeated prosecution for the same matter violated both law and constitution.
Despite harsh criticism of the judiciary, PTI vowed to protest within constitutional limits. Gohar said the party would not allow fascist or undemocratic forces to dominate, and Secretary General Salman Akram Raja stressed the issue was a broader war of principles, not just a political fight. Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser announced February 8 would be observed as a black day in protest.
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Barrister Gohar concluded by reiterating that the PTI founder remains imprisoned for the people’s freedom. He appealed to authorities not to block public progress, warning citizens will find their own way if obstructed. The party promised future plans and white papers on economic and judicial reforms after consultations.