Former Prime Minister and PTI leader Imran Khan, along with his wife Bushra Bibi, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison in the Toshakhana case, just a day after receiving a 10-year sentence in the cypher case under the Official Secrets Act.
The verdict has sparked widespread condemnation and a wave of support from PTI supporters and prominent celebrities. Since the sentencing, PTI followers and various celebrities have taken to social media platforms to express their dissent and encourage their fan base to vote for PTI in the upcoming elections on February 8.
Renowned rap star Talha Anjum took a swipe at Imran Khan’s political opponents on Twitter, urging people to “Vote for Imran and ban all others. Long live Pakistan.”
ووٹ عمران دے باقی سارے حرام دے۔۔ پاکستان زندہ باد 💯🇵🇰
— Talha Anjum (@talhahanjum) January 30, 2024
Singer Hasan Raheem emphasized the importance of voting with a tweet saying, “Aur meri jaan kay totay vote zarur daalna.”
Aur meri jaan kay totay vote zarur daalna
— hasan raheem (@hasanraheeem) January 30, 2024
Actress Armeena Khan expressed her frustration with the Pakistani judicial system, stating, “Nonsense! Pakistani judicial system was and is a joke.”
Nonsense! Pakistani judicial system was and is a joke. https://t.co/8iVIQvPGQE
— Armeena ✨ (@ArmeenaRK) January 30, 2024
Ushna Shah echoed similar sentiments, questioning the legitimacy of the 10-year sentence, stating, “Ten years for what!? Is this a joke?”
Ten years for what!? Is this a joke?
— Ushna Shah (@ushnashah) January 30, 2024
Guitarist Salman Ahmad directed his criticism at the judge responsible for the verdict, accusing Judges Hasnat Zulqarnain and Humayun Dilawar of destabilizing the judiciary. He lamented the declining rule of law index and urged for maximum voter turnout on February 8.
Judges like Hasnat and Dilawar have devoted their entire lives to destabilising the judiciary . Plummeting the rule of law index below the lowest in the world , who would want to be a judge in Pakistan? pic.twitter.com/Z4WTx94HyY
— Salman Ahmad (@sufisal) January 30, 2024
In a strong statement, Salman Ahmad alleged, “The army chief in Pakistan does not represent the interests of 240 million Pakistanis. Today’s army chief-controlled court sentenced former PM Imran Khan and foreign minister SMQ to 10 years on a bogus case.”
The army chief in Pakistan does not represent the interests of 240 million Pakistanis. Today’s army chief controlled court sentenced former PM @ImranKhanPTI & foreign minister SMQ to 10 years on a bogus case. The only way out for Pakistan is maximum voter turnout FEB 8. pic.twitter.com/3U9wcRgi27
— Salman Ahmad (@sufisal) January 30, 2024
Actor Adnan Malik questioned the recurring internal conflicts in Pakistan, asking, “This is just history repeating. When will Pakistan stop being at war with itself? #CypherCase.”
This is just history repeating. When will Pakistan stop being at war with itself? #CypherCase 🥾
— adnanmalik (@adnanmalik) January 30, 2024
Imran Khan and his aide, former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, were sentenced to 10 years in jail in the cypher case, involving the leaking of state secrets. The case revolved around a diplomatic cable that Khan claimed proved his removal from power in 2022 was a conspiracy.
The sentencing against the main opposition leader comes just a week before the general elections. The PTI has announced plans to challenge the court’s decision, citing an “unlawful manner” in which the trial was conducted.
The verdict follows a recent crackdown against the PTI, resulting in leaders quitting the party and thousands of members and supporters facing imprisonment. Despite the challenges, PTI spokesperson Syed Zulfiqar Bukhari believes the verdict will work in favor of the beleaguered party.
