Authorities placed Pakistan’s Rawalpindi city on high alert on Saturday after jailed former prime minister Imran Khan called on his supporters to prepare for street protests following his reported conviction in the Toshakhana 2 corruption case.
More than 1,300 police officers and security personnel were deployed across the city to maintain law and order amid concerns over demonstrations by workers of Khan’s party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), according to official sources.
The security deployment included senior police officers, inspectors, and a large contingent of constables, along with Elite Force commandos, Rapid Emergency and Security Operations personnel, and members of the Anti-Riots Management Wing. Authorities said the measures were preventive and aimed at avoiding unrest in sensitive areas.
Security arrangements were further tightened after the right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami announced protests across Punjab on Sunday against what it described as the “Black Local Government Act 2025,” prompting additional vigilance by law enforcement agencies.
Khan’s Call for Protests from Jail
Imran Khan, 73, and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 17 years in prison each on Saturday by a special court inside Rawalpindi’s high-security Adiala Jail, where Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023.
Shortly after the verdict, a message was posted on Khan’s official X account calling on party leaders to prepare for a protest movement. In the post, the former prime minister described the ruling as a “military-style trial decision” and urged supporters to mobilise for what he termed their democratic rights.
It remains unclear who posted the message, as Khan does not have direct access to his social media accounts while in custody. The statement also did not specify a timeline for the proposed protests.
What Is the Toshakhana 2 Case?
The Toshakhana 2 case relates to allegations that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi failed to properly declare and deposit valuable state gifts received from the Saudi government in 2021 before allegedly selling them.
Toshakhana is a government department under Pakistan’s cabinet division that stores gifts presented to public office holders by foreign dignitaries. Such gifts can be retained or purchased under established legal procedures.
The case was filed in July 2024 and includes allegations involving high-value watches and jewellery. While both Khan and Bushra Bibi had earlier secured bail in the case, proceedings continued as they were already in custody following convictions in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
In its ruling, the accountability court sentenced the couple under provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, along with imposing financial penalties.
Government Response and Family Access
Reacting to the verdict, Khan alleged restrictions on his prison conditions, including limited access to books, television, and meetings. His party and family members have repeatedly raised concerns over access to him.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s interior ministry said there was no restriction on Khan’s sons, Suleman Khan and Kasim Khan, meeting their father if they travel to Pakistan. The two live in London and are from Khan’s first marriage to Jemima Goldsmith.
Authorities said security arrangements in Rawalpindi would remain in place until the situation stabilises.
