Political observers in Pakistan and supporters of
ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan have criticized the arrest of the cricketer-turned-politician in the
'Toshakhana' case, as they expressed concern about "politically-motivated" charges against him.
“It is clearly politically motivated to prevent his re-election. Clearly, he cannot be the only corrupt politician in Pakistan,” Salik remarked.
He further called for “overhauling” the entire political system in Pakistan as well as changing the leadership of the country’s powerful Army, which has played an influential role in politics all along.
"This is the first time in Pakistan that any politician has been sentenced rather than being killed or exiled,” stated Salik, a reference to assassinations of past Pakistani leaders such as ex-PM Benazir Bhutto.
According to a provision in Pakistan’s Constitution cited by local media, Khan is now disqualified from holding public office for the next five years following the court’s verdict.
Dr. Shahid Rashid, a political observer, claimed that Khan’s arrest is part of the plan to “put him in jail and crush his party by violating all rules, regulations and morality.”
He said that the
backers of "regime change" were behind this plan, a veiled reference to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), which Khan accused of plotting his ouster with the help of the Biden administration last April.
A former three-star general in Pakistan's army underlined that Khan’s arrest was expected.
Even as Khan has called upon his supporters to restrain themselves while they peacefully protest against his arrest, there is a growing sense of disquiet among workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) after the ex-PM was taken away by police following the court order earlier in the day.
Delivering the verdict against Khan, Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar said that "charges of mis-declaration of assets have been proven against PTI chairman", according to the order as reported in local media.
It also said that Khan "intentionally" hid the benefits of from the taxpayer.
While Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif was yet to react to Khan's arrest on Saturday, he has previously called him a "certified thief and a liar" for not disclosing details about the gifts he had received from foreign dignitaries during his time in power.
Khan has claimed that Dilawar harbored a "dislike" against him.
In a video message recorded by Khan on Friday but posted by his party after his arrest, the ex-PM predicted his arrest in advance.
Khan said that he has been denied a "fair trial" by the Dilawar, who has refused to entertain his witnesses before the court and delivered the verdict in an arbitrary manner.
Khan said that he already has a pending appeal before the higher court asking him to be "recused" from appearing before the judge.
The PTI chief also revealed in the video that he had already answered all the 35 questions in the 'Toshakhana' case in the court on Friday.