by Khalid Yousaf Chaudry
Following an unjust conviction in the Toshakhana case, the door to Imran Khan’s legal right to appeal has now been deliberately closed. Adiala Jail is being turned into a symbol of political vengeance, with every effort made to prevent Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi from exercising their constitutional right to challenge the verdict.
An essential requirement for filing an appeal is the signing and stamping of the power of attorney, which is a fundamental legal right. However, jail authorities have repeatedly delayed and obstructed this process first keeping Imran Khan Lawyer Khalid Yousaf Chaudry waiting for three hours yesterday, and today, despite being summoned at 11 a.m., they kept him waiting for four hours, only to ultimately deny permission to meet and to have the legal documents processed, citing unnecessary procedural barriers.
This is not merely an administrative obstruction; it is a calculated political strategy aimed at denying justice and silencing opposition. Such actions blatantly violate the constitutional rights guaranteed under Pakistan’s Articles 10-A (Right to a Fair Trial), 4 (Right to be Treated in accordance with the Law), 9 (Right to Personal Liberty), and 25 (Equality Before the Law). It is a clear breach of the legal rights of prisoners, turning justice into a tool of political oppression.
The right to legal representation and to file an appeal is a fundamental human right, and obstructing it is an attack on the rule of law and democratic values. This move to shut the doors of justice not only targets Imran Khan but also undermines the integrity of Pakistan’s judicial system and the very principles of democracy. It is high time to recognize this blatant injustice and demand that the legal rights of every citizen, regardless of their political standing, be protected and upheld.