Former prime minister Imran Khan has called for nationwide protests after his conviction in the Toshakhana-II case, describing the verdict as politically motivated and part of a sustained campaign to sideline him from national politics. Speaking through his legal team, he said the ruling was expected and urged supporters to stand up for constitutional rights across the country.
In a message shared by party-affiliated accounts, Khan said he had instructed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister to prepare for a public movement, while also directing his lawyers to immediately challenge the verdict through legal appeals. He stressed that political resistance and legal action would continue together until justice was served.
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Khan strongly criticised the trial process, claiming the judgment was delivered in haste without meeting basic legal requirements or allowing his defence to be properly heard. He alleged that no credible evidence was presented and said the conviction was one of several baseless decisions issued against him over the past three years.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf strongly condemned the ruling, calling it unconstitutional, unlawful, and a clear example of political victimisation. Party leaders argued that the conviction aimed to prolong Khan’s imprisonment and silence opposition voices, warning that such actions could further destabilise the political environment.
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Addressing a press conference, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said Khan had conveyed a clear message of resistance, emphasising that he would neither seek forgiveness nor compromise under pressure. Meanwhile, Khan’s sister Aleema Khan alleged the verdict followed a predetermined script and raised concerns over the continued detention and treatment of Bushra Bibi.
Separately, PTI leader Omar Ayub denounced the judgment as a violation of fundamental legal principles and democratic norms. As a result, the conviction has intensified political tensions, with party leaders signalling an escalation in protest activities in the coming days.