Imran Khan’s lawyers dismiss key witnesses as unreliable in state gifts case

Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan’s legal team on Monday challenged the credibility of key witnesses in the ongoing “Toshakhana 2.0” corruption case, describing them as unreliable.

The graft case trial stretched for eight hours inside Adiala Jail, where Khan’s lawyers completed cross-examinations of two prosecution witnesses: appraiser Shoaib Abbasi and Inam Ullah Shah, who has testified in multiple cases against Khan.

Speaking to reporters outside the jail, Barrister Salman Safdar, Khan’s lead counsel, said the defense had effectively dismantled the witnesses’ credibility. “Their credibility and trustworthiness have been reduced to zero,” Safdar said.

He added that the only remaining unresolved case is the £190 million corruption case, which has not been scheduled for hearing since the appointment of Islamabad High Court’s new chief justice following the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

Safdar also criticized the judiciary for delaying proceedings, suggesting deliberate stalling. “They know we will secure justice, so they are not fixing our cases,” he said.

After the talk, Khan’s sister Aleema Khan, joined by two other sisters, Dr. Uzma Khan and Nausheen Khan, relayed messages from the former premier.

According to Aleema, Khan described his ordeal as a “military trial, not a civilian one,” claiming he was being held in isolation, denied regular meetings, and subjected to ignored court orders.

Khan directly accused the incumbent army chief of orchestrating the process, alleging that “a colonel from ISI is running the show inside Adiala Jail.”

Khan calls for rally in Peshawar

Khan also urged his supporters to prepare for a mass rally in Peshawar on September 27, instructing party officeholders to “stand on one page” against what he described as ongoing oppression. “Don’t be afraid of jail because I’ve been here for two years,” he reportedly said.

The former premier criticized recent counterinsurgency operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, labeling them “false flag operations like May 9, 2023” and called for dialogue involving the Afghan government, Afghan citizens, and Pakistanis in affected areas.

“Martyring Pakistanis and our law enforcement will not bring peace. Only meaningful negotiations will,” Khan said, urging a peace delegation be sent to Kabul.

He also praised judges “standing with the Constitution” and lauded Rawalpindi commissioner Liaqat Ali Chatha, who exposed alleged electoral fraud before disappearing, calling him “a hero.”

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur supported Khan, terming the charges “baseless” and questioning why hearings had not been scheduled.

“A colonel of ISI is inside Adiala Jail all the time, what is he doing there?” Gandapur asked, demanding clarity from military and government authorities. He also asked supporters to ensure the September 27 rally in Peshawar is “successful.”

The Toshakhana 2.0 case is one of several legal battles Khan has faced since his ouster in 2022. He was recently indicted for allegedly inciting attacks on the military during deadly anti-government protests.

Khan and his party claim these cases are politically motivated attempts to sideline him from politics.