Imran Khan’s legal team calls on judiciary to end ‘political persecution’

Lawyers representing former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have accused authorities of systematic political persecution and constitutional violations in a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan and the Acting Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court.

The letter, prepared on Khan’s instructions, says the former premier is facing more than 200 legal cases. Many of these, his legal team argues, are “frivolous” and politically motivated.

Since 2022, trials have concluded in only five of those cases. Four convictions were overturned or suspended on appeal, including the controversial Toshakhana gifts case, the Iddat case, and the diplomatic cipher case.

Only the Al-Qadir Trust case conviction remains unresolved. The letter claims there is no evidence that Khan or his wife, Bushra Bibi, benefited personally. It criticizes delays in hearing Khan’s appeal as “a source of concern and regret.”

Khan, who has been in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, is allegedly denied regular access to his legal team, children, and family, despite court orders. The letter states that Khan has spent long periods in solitary confinement and has been denied books and visits from his sisters since March.

“This is a campaign to isolate him,” the letter reads.

The lawyers also accuse jail authorities of defying court orders regarding visitations. Despite a ruling by the Islamabad High Court in March, visits by Khan’s lawyers and political allies have allegedly been blocked without accountability. Contempt petitions remain unheard.

In a broader criticism of Pakistan's justice system, the letter argues that the legal process has been “weaponized” against PTI leaders and supporters. Several of Khan’s key allies, including Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Dr. Yasmeen Rashid, have remained in custody for over 600 days, even in cases where other co-accused have been granted bail.

The letter also criticizes the secrecy of Khan’s ongoing trials, held inside jail rather than in open courtrooms. Only a small, handpicked audience is allowed in, while journalists are kept at a distance.

“This makes a mockery of justice,” it claims.

Khan’s legal team says hearing dates are frequently postponed, limiting his ability to consult his lawyers or co-defendants. They argue this pattern reflects a broader strategy to politically sideline the former prime minister.

The letter also denounces the political climate in Pakistan, alleging widespread election manipulation, suppression of dissent, and arrests of political workers. It highlights the controversial 26th Constitutional Amendment, passed after alleged abductions of PTI lawmakers, as a blow to judicial independence.

It also warns of attempts to reverse two key Supreme Court rulings: one that declared military trials of civilians unconstitutional, and another that restored PTI’s status as a legitimate political party.

“Today, the nation needs belief in the decency of the state,” the letter concludes. “The people need to be assured that they matter as human beings.”

There has been no immediate response from the Pakistani government or judiciary.