Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
04 August 2025 | 11:15 CAT

📸Image: Getty Images

Pakistan’s political landscape has been thrown into turmoil after an anti-terrorism court handed down prison sentences, some as long as 10 years to more than 100 senior members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), including opposition leaders in both houses of parliament. Critics are calling the move a politically motivated crackdown ahead of planned pro-Imran Khan rallies.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, political commentator Faisal Sherjan dismissed the convictions as “justice unserved,” alleging they were based solely on the testimony of two policemen. “None,” he said bluntly when asked if there was solid evidence. “These judgments have been handed down on the testimony of two policemen, one under a table and one hid behind a curtain… It is a complete fabrication.”

Sherjan argued that the charges linked to an alleged conspiracy during Khan’s abduction from the Islamabad High Court on 9 May 2023 were implausible. He noted that several convicted individuals “weren’t even in the same city” as the meeting in question. The sweeping convictions, he warned, will disqualify many National Assembly and Senate members, further destabilising parliament.

“This is a continuous process of oppression,” Sherjan said, adding that while senior figures may weather the storm, “the 100 workers… very poor people” will see their families and livelihoods suffer. “You don’t convict somebody for 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment for a small infringement. These are not terrorists.”

Far from dampening political activism, Sherjan claimed the verdicts have galvanised supporters. “People are charged up. They’re going to come out tomorrow,” he said, predicting parliament may not survive the next six months. Citing Pakistan’s constitution, he emphasised that sovereignty belongs to its people, who elect representatives to embody the state, a process now being “undermined.”

Meanwhile, the public profile of Imran Khan’s sons in the UK, Qasim and Sulaiman, is drawing international attention. Though not involved in rallies, Sherjan described them as “a very, very strong voice internationally,” noting that their recent media appearances have pressured authorities to restore some of Khan’s prison rights.

With Khan in solitary confinement and supporters planning demonstrations on 5 and 14 August, the latter marking Pakistan’s Independence Day. Sherjan believes the movement is far from over. “People actually want independence from the oppression and injustice that’s been there,” he concluded.

Listen to the full interview on Sabahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat and Faisal Sherjan.