ISLAMABAD: A new legal team has been assembled to represent former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Toshakhana case, signaling a shift in legal strategy.
Interestingly, the revamped team excludes several prominent lawyers traditionally associated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), raising eyebrows within political and legal circles.
The newly constituted team features notable legal experts, including Barrister Salman Akram Raja, Barrister Salman Safdar, and Usman Riaz Gul. Other members include Chaudhry Zaheer Abbas, Arshad Tabrez, Qausain Faisal Mufti, Khalid Mehmood Yousaf, Chaudhry Ishtiaq, Abu Zar Niazi, Rai Salman Amjad, Shoaib Shaheen, Sardar Qadeer, Ali Ijaz Butter, and Mishal Yousafzai.
However, the absence of key PTI-linked legal figures such as Faisal Chaudhry, Barrister Gohar, 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 exclusion has led to speculation about a possible shift in approach as the Toshakhana proceedings unfold.
The case revolves around allegations concerning gifts received during Imran Khan’s tenure as Prime Minister, making it a critical legal challenge for the former premier and his wife. Analysts suggest that the composition of the new team reflects an effort to introduce fresh perspectives as the case progresses.
In a parallel development, Imran Khan has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government to establish a judicial commission, according to a statement from Barrister Gohar outside Adiala Jail. The commission, which Khan deems essential for fair and transparent proceedings, is seen as a cornerstone for meaningful political dialogue.
Khan has instructed his party’s negotiation team to cease discussions with the government if no progress is made within the stipulated timeframe. “If the government does not act on the formation of the judicial commission, there is no justification for continuing talks,” Gohar emphasized.
The developments highlight a period of strategic recalibration for the PTI, with both its legal and political approaches under scrutiny. The Toshakhana case and the call for judicial reforms remain central to the party’s ongoing challenges.
