Faisal demands halt to Toshakhana trial

RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Faisal Chaudhry, counsel for Imran Khan, has alleged that a series of false cases are being pursued against his client and his wife Bushra Bibi. He called for an immediate halt to the trial in the Toshakhana case, asserting that it lacks any element of criminality.

Speaking to the media outside the Central Jail on Tuesday, Chaudhry reiterated that the Toshakhana case should be stopped, arguing that the allegations were baseless. He said Imran Khan had already responded to the accountability court judge’s remarks during the previous hearing.

Chaudhry criticised the government for pursuing “out-of-turn” cases and questioned why sentences are being handed down without due consideration for the merit of the cases. He described the Toshakhana trial as a politically motivated attempt to undermine the PTI and its leadership.

He also accused the authorities of suppressing media freedom and controlling narratives. “The media’s voice is being stifled,” Chaudhry said, adding that PTI’s demands are straightforward and that the party plans to raise the issue of human rights violations at the international level.

The lawyer further alleged that Imran Khan was being denied basic facilities in jail, including access to television. He also said that Imran Khan’s children were allowed to meet him only after five months of incarceration.

Chaudhry announced plans to file a petition in the Islamabad High Court and appeal to the Supreme Court to address the alleged human rights violations. He said that the negotiating committee comprises political figures and emphasized that the PTI has not forgotten the May 9 and November 26 incidents. Despite the challenges, Chaudhry affirmed that the PTI and its leadership remain resolute in their mission.

Aleema Khan, the sister of Imran Khan, said that Imran Khan was ready to face the cases against him. “They think they can punish him easily, but when he comes out, you will all see.”

Separately, PTI leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan commented on judicial delays in decision-making. Speaking to the media outside the Adiala jail, he said, “Sometimes judges delay decisions because they need time to write them.” When a journalist asked about CM Ali Amin Gandapur’s meeting with the army chief, Gohar responded cautiously, saying, “Such meetings happen regularly to discuss law and order and maintain working relations.”