Islamabad: A new legal team was formed to represent former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Tosha Khana case, which indicated a change in legal strategy.
Interestingly, several prominent lawyers traditionally associated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have been excluded from the revamped team, raising eyebrows in political and legal circles.
The newly constituted team includes notable legal experts including Barrister Salman Akram Raja, Barrister Salman Safdar and Usman Riaz Gul. Other members include Chaudhry Zaheer Abbas, Arshad Tabriz, Qusin Faisal Mufti, Khalid Mahmood Yusuf, Chaudhry Ishtiaq, Abu Zar Niazi, Rai Salman Amjad, Shoaib Shaheen, Sardar Qadeer, Ali Ijaz Batar and Mashal Yousafzai.
However, the absence of key PTI-linked legal figures like Faisal Chaudhry, Barrister Gauhar, and Sher Afzal Marwat has raised questions about the rationale behind the restructuring. These lawyers have been instrumental in representing the party in high-profile cases, and their exit has led to speculation about a possible shift in approach as the Toshakhana proceedings unfold.
The case revolves around allegations of gifts received during Imran Khan’s tenure as prime minister, making it a major legal challenge for the former prime minister and his wife. Analysts believe the formation of the new team reflects an attempt to introduce new perspectives as the case progresses.
In a parallel development, Imran Khan has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government to set up a judicial commission, according to a statement by Barrister Gauhar outside Adiala Jail. The commission, which Khan sees as essential for fair and transparent proceedings, is seen as a cornerstone for meaningful political dialogue.
Khan has directed his party’s negotiating team to end talks with the government if no progress is made within the stipulated time. “If the government does not act on the formation of the judicial commission, there is no justification for continuing the talks,” Gohar asserted.
The development marks a period of strategic recalibration for the PTI, with both its legal and political approaches under scrutiny. The Tosha Khana case and the demand for judicial reforms are central to the party’s ongoing challenges.
