Islamabad, Dec 22 (NationPress) Workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are staging demonstrations across the nation in response to the court's ruling that sentenced PTI founder Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana-II case, as reported by local media on Monday.

On Sunday, crowds of protesters convened along the main GT Road outside the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly in Peshawar, chanting slogans supporting the PTI leader. During the rally, National Assembly member Shandana Gulzar asserted that Imran Khan has been a champion for future generations and the rights of citizens. She emphasized that he has never sought anything for his own benefit but is committed to advocating for the underprivileged, as noted by Pakistan's prominent daily Dawn.

The protest in the Laghari area was spearheaded by Khalilur Rehman, the chairman of the Nawagai tehsil council and former PTI district president. Demonstrators, brandishing party flags, voiced their dissent against the PML-N-led federal government and the judge responsible for the 17-year sentence given to Imran Khan and his wife. PTI supporters have denounced the ruling, labeling it a serious blow to Pakistan's judicial integrity, which they claim has been compromised following the 27th Constitutional Amendment.

In light of the verdict, Imran Khan has called for protests nationwide and plans to contest the court's decision regarding the Toshakhana-II case in the Islamabad High Court.

To ensure public safety, over 1,300 police officers and security staff have been deployed in Rawalpindi in anticipation of potential PTI protests and a gathering by Jamaat-e-Islami at Liaquat Bagh, according to local officials.

This security presence comes amid escalating tensions following the court's sentencing of Imran Khan and his spouse to 17 years in prison regarding the Toshakhana-II case.

PTI officials have rallied behind their leader, vowing to contest what they describe as an unfounded ruling. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja revealed that Imran Khan has urged supporters to gear up for a civil movement, as reported by The Express Tribune.

According to authorities, the security deployment consists of two superintendents of police, seven deputy superintendents, 29 inspectors and station house officers, 92 upper subordinates, and 340 constables.

In addition, seven sections of Elite Force commandos, 22 Rapid Emergency and Security Operations personnel, and 400 members of the Anti-Riots Management Wing have been stationed in Rawalpindi to maintain order. Police have established 32 checkpoints, each overseen by an upper subordinate, while Elite Force Commandos are conducting patrols.

The Toshakhana-2 corruption case pertains to the acquisition of an expensive jewelry set, presented as a gift to Imran Khan by the Saudi Crown Prince during an official visit in May 2021, which was acquired at a minimal cost.

The verdict was delivered by Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand of the Federal Investigation Agency's special court during proceedings held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where Imran Khan is currently detained.

As per the ruling, Imran Khan has been sentenced to a cumulative 17 years in prison, comprising 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, along with seven years under the Prevention of Corruption Act.