Pakistan Sees Wave of PTI Protests After Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years in Toshakhana-II Case

Islamabad, Dec 2025 : Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers have launched a fresh wave of nationwide demonstrations, protesting the recent court verdict that sentenced PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana-II case. The sentencing has triggered unrest across several provinces, with party leaders and supporters rejecting the judgement and terming it a politically motivated move aimed at silencing opposition voices, according to reports from local media.

The protests intensified on Sunday in Peshawar, where a large gathering of PTI supporters occupied the main GT Road outside the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly building. Supporters waved party flags and chanted slogans in favour of Imran Khan, calling him a fearless leader fighting for democratic rights and future generations. National Assembly Member Shandana Gulzar, who joined the rally, addressed the crowd and reiterated that Imran Khan had never fought for personal gains. She claimed that Khan’s struggle was directed toward safeguarding the rights of ordinary citizens and challenging corruption within state systems.

Meanwhile, in the Laghari area, Nawagai tehsil council chairman and former PTI district president Khalilur Rehman led another protest, where demonstrators strongly criticised the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led federal government. Protesters also raised slogans against the judge who issued the sentencing, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the judicial proceedings. Many PTI supporters argued that the decision dealt a significant blow to the country’s legal integrity, particularly in light of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which they claim has weakened judicial authority and invited political interference.

Following the verdict, Imran Khan issued a call for a nationwide protest movement, urging citizens to unite against what he described as an unlawful and unjust ruling. He also confirmed plans to challenge the decision in the Islamabad High Court, aiming to overturn the sentence and clear his name. PTI leaders echoed his stance, asserting that the ruling lacked legitimacy and vowing to take their struggle to the streets.

Local reports indicate that tensions escalated rapidly after Saturday’s verdict, prompting authorities in Rawalpindi to enforce heightened security measures. According to officials, more than 1,300 police officers and security personnel have been deployed across the city to maintain order amid anticipation of PTI-led demonstrations and a concurrent Jamaat-e-Islami gathering at Liaquat Bagh. The security detail reportedly includes two superintendents of police, seven deputy superintendents, 29 inspectors, and 92 upper subordinates, in addition to 340 constables.

Further reinforcements consist of seven units of Elite Force commandos, 22 members of the Rapid Emergency and Security Operations team, and 400 personnel from the Anti-Riots Management Wing. A total of 32 security pickets have been established, each supervised by senior officers, while Elite Force units continue active patrolling in an effort to prevent any violent flare-ups during the demonstrations.

The Toshakhana-II case centres on an expensive jewellery set gifted to Imran Khan by the Saudi Crown Prince during an official visit in May 2021. According to allegations, the jewellery was purchased by Khan at an undervalued price, violating protocols for gifts received by public office holders. The special court, led by Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), conducted proceedings at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where Imran Khan is currently imprisoned.

Under the ruling, Khan has been sentenced to 17 years in total — comprising 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, and an additional seven years under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Bushra Bibi received the same sentence, marking one of the most severe judicial actions against a former Pakistani prime minister and his spouse in recent history.

As the situation unfolds, PTI protests continue to spread nationwide, signalling an extended phase of political turbulence. Supporters insist that the fight for justice will continue and that the verdict has only strengthened their resolve to challenge the government and judicial system they believe has failed them. Authorities remain on high alert as demonstrations show no sign of slowing, setting the stage for further confrontations in the days ahead.