Imran Khan Arrested by Punjab Police Following Toshakhana Case Verdict

LAHORE, PAKISTAN: Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan was arrested by Punjab police on Saturday from his residence in Lahore, shortly after an Islamabad trial court found him guilty of "corrupt practices" in the Toshakhana case. The court sentenced him to three years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs100,000 for concealing details of gifts acquired from Toshakhana. Imran's lawyers were absent during the trial, and he was convicted in their absence.

Court's Verdict and Sentencing

The Additional District and Sessions Judge, Humayun Dilawar, declared Imran guilty of corrupt practices for making false statements about assets acquired through gifts from Toshakhana and disposed of during specific years. The court order emphasized Imran's dishonesty and intentional concealment of benefits received from the national exchequer. The verdict technically disqualifies him from holding public office for five years under the Constitution.

Arrest and Reaction

Following the verdict, Imran was arrested and taken to Attock jail. Surprisingly, the arrest at his Zaman Park residence faced little resistance, with Imran not resisting the arrest, according to the PTI. The party claimed that the arrest was illegal and involved violence against Imran's security guards and staff. This arrest marked the second time Imran faced detainment, as he was arrested previously on May 9 in the Al-Qadir Trust case, leading to widespread violence and arrests of PTI work

Imran's Appeal and PTI's Response

Despite the conviction, Imran retains the right to appeal the verdict. In a pre-recorded message after his arrest, he urged supporters to continue peaceful protests for the sake of their rights and the future of Pakistan. Meanwhile, the PTI announced country-wide protests and filed a review petition in the Supreme Court against the maintainability of the Toshakhana case.

Lawyers' Disappointment and Political Reactions

Imran's lawyers expressed disappointment and called the verdict a "murder of justice." PTI leaders strongly criticized the judgment, alleging a biased decision by a biased judge. The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) also expressed reservations, deeming the arrest as a violation of fundamental rights and an attempt to exclude political leaders from upcoming elections.

Toshakhana Case Background

The Toshakhana case is based on a complaint filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), alleging that Imran had deliberately concealed details of gifts retained from Toshakhana during his tenure as Prime Minister. The ECP disqualified him based on these allegations. Despite multiple legal challenges, the case proceeded, leading to the recent conviction.

Imran Khan's arrest and conviction have stirred political tensions, with the PTI announcing protests and seeking legal measures for his release. The case's outcome raises questions about justice and fairness in Pakistan's political landscape, leaving Imran's political future uncertain as he faces imprisonment and disqualification from public office.