RAWALPINDI, Jan 17 (NNI): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Friday announced plans to challenge the verdict in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case in the High Court within a few days.
Speaking to the media after the verdict, Barrister Gohar criticised the ruling, calling it another addition to the list of controversial decisions.
The PTI chairman said, “The £190 million case is purely a matter of political revenge. Like other cases, this verdict will also be overturned.”
Barrister Gohar defended PTI founder Imran Khan, emphasising, “He committed no crime and gained no personal benefit. Yet, despite two years of seeking justice, he was denied it.”
On the ongoing negotiations with the government, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Barrister Gohar issued a stern warning. “If there is no progress on the commission within seven days, the talks will be called off,” the PTI chairman cautioned.
It is pertinent to mention that following the verdict in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case earlier today, former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan expressed outrage.
Imran Khan declared the decision unjust and claimed he had foreseen it. “I will not make any deal or accept any relief,” Khan stated emphatically.
According to the court’s short order, Imran Khan has been convicted of “corrupt practices” and “misuse of authority,” while his wife, Bushra Bibi, has been convicted for her “involvement in illegal activities.”
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday announced that the party would challenge the jail sentence handed down to former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
“We will challenge this verdict in the superior courts,” said Omar Ayub, the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, during a press conference here.
Condemning the decision, he said the question should be asked to Nawaz Sharif’s son, Hassan Nawaz, how he laundered money to buy the One Hyde Park building in London and then sold it.
Omar deplored that they [Sharifs] are walking around with impunity.
Senator Shibli Faraz called the day a black day. “We strongly condemn this decision. There is neither rule of law nor supremacy of the constitution in this country. The government did not lose a single paisa from the Al-Qadir Trust, and neither Imran Khan nor Bushra Bibi gained anything.”
He said that those who robbed the country have been posing as “respectable”. “Thieves roam free and innocent people are in jail. We will challenge the decision [in higher courts],” he added.
Shibli said cases like Toshakhana and the iddat were thrown out by the courts. All the cases against the PTI founder and workers are political, he added.
The party leadership has strongly condemned the court’s verdict, calling it baseless and politically motivated.
A senior PTI leader Faisal Ch stated, “There is not a single proof of financial corruption against us. From the first day, this judge has been seeking a verdict. We will expose these judges too.” He further criticized the court, claiming, “A person has been brought up who has set an example of dishonesty,” and termed the verdict as “frivolous in a frivolous case.”
The leadership expressed their dismay at the judicial process, asserting, “It is a frivolous verdict in a frivolous case.” They vowed to present condemnation resolutions worldwide, declaring, “Today is the darkest day for religion, as it is a day to target the founder.”
PTI also voiced concerns that the courts had failed to deliver a judgment according to the law, alleging that the entire case was politically motivated.
The party’s strong statements reflect the ongoing political turmoil surrounding the case, as PTI leaders prepare to challenge the verdict and rally global support. NNI
