Former Pakistani prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has given his first response after his conviction in the Toshakhana Two case. He instructed his legal team to immediately file an appeal in the High Court. According to his lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, Khan appeared calm and confident. He even smiled after hearing the verdict and showed no sign of shock.
The reaction came soon after an accountability court announced its decision. The ruling added another legal challenge for the former leader. Since his removal from office in April 2022, Khan has faced a series of court cases across the country.
Calm and Defiant Reaction From Jail
Barrister Salman Safdar spoke to journalists after meeting Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. He said the former prime minister listened carefully to the verdict. Khan did not express surprise or anger during the meeting.
Imran Khan was mentally prepared, Safdar said. He asked us to move forward and challenge the decision through legal means.
Safdar added that Khan showed strong morale despite the difficult situation. He said Khan stressed the importance of continuing the legal struggle. According to the lawyer, Khan believes the courts will eventually provide relief.
Defense Team Taken by Surprise
Safdar revealed that the legal team received late notice about the court proceedings. He said officials informed the lawyers around 8:00 pm that the case would be taken up the next morning.
However, the defense did not expect a final verdict. Safdar explained that the judge had adjourned the case on October 16. The court had fixed the next date only for legal arguments.
We expected a hearing, not a judgment, Safdar said. The timing raised serious concerns.
Claims of Legal Violations
The defense has raised objections over how the court delivered the verdict. Safdar alleged that the judge announced the decision without the presence of defense lawyers. He also claimed that the court read out a 59-page judgment without meeting legal requirements.
According to him, the process violated basic principles of justice. He said the defense did not get a fair chance to represent its client at a critical stage.
Safdar also criticized the broader pattern of decisions from courts operating inside Adiala Jail. He claimed that such courts often fail to deliver merit-based outcomes.
In many past cases, we secured relief only after approaching the High Court, he said.
Appeal Process to Begin
Safdar confirmed that the legal team will file an appeal in the relevant High Court. He said the lawyers will complete all legal formalities without delay. The defense plans to challenge both the verdict and the trial process.
Despite ongoing pressure and limited access, Imran Khan remains focused, Safdar said. During their meeting, Khan repeated his instructions clearly. He wants the legal battle to continue through constitutional channels.
Political Debate Intensifies
The verdict has triggered renewed political debate across Pakistan. PTI supporters view the case as part of a wider effort to sideline the party. Critics, however, argue that accountability laws must apply to everyone.
The Toshakhana cases relate to allegations about state gifts received by public officials. Prosecutors claim that Khan failed to properly declare or manage gifts during his time as prime minister. Similar cases in Pakistan have led to convictions and disqualifications of senior politicians in the past.
According to transparency groups, weak accountability systems and political interference have long damaged public trust. Pakistan ranks low on global corruption perception indexes, which adds to the sensitivity of such cases.
What Comes Next
Legal experts say the High Court proceedings will play a key role in shaping the case. Any relief could impact Khan’s political future and PTI’s strategy.
For now, Imran Khan’s message appears firm and consistent. He plans to fight the conviction through the courts. His calm response signals resolve rather than retreat, as Pakistan watches the next phase of a high-profile legal battle.
