The verdict in the Toshakhana-II case, issued during a closed-door jail trial without the presence of Imran Khan’s lead counsel or his family, has reignited concerns over the legitimacy of Pakistan’s judicial system. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja revealed that lawyers were initially informed that today’s hearing was scheduled for a rebuttal. However, the judge unexpectedly appeared with a pre-written 59-page judgment, raising questions about transparency and fairness in the proceedings.

This incident is seen as part of a troubling pattern where the establishment’s influence over the judiciary is repeatedly exposed, casting doubt on the impartiality of judicial decisions. Critics argue that merit and justice are often sidelined in favor of political motives, and that the system is increasingly being used as a tool to serve certain interests rather than deliver fair justice.

The decision underscores the growing perception that the judiciary’s credibility has been severely compromised, with successive decisions reflecting a pattern of bias rather than adherence to legal principles. This series of questionable rulings continues to fuel public distrust and calls for reform, highlighting the urgent need for an independent and transparent judicial system that upholds the rule of law.