The verdict in the Toshakhana-II case sentencing former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years’ imprisonment would be challenged before the Islamabad High Court, a senior lawyer said on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail along with Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan, Salman Safdar said he had been instructed by his client to pursue all available legal remedies against the decision.

He alleged that, as in the Toshakhana-I and cypher cases, there were serious flaws in the proceedings of the current case.

Safdar also claimed that the defence team was informed late on Friday night that the hearing would take place at 9am on Saturday at Adiala Jail, leaving little time to prepare.

He said travel was not possible due to the closure of motorways and streets due to fog.

He alleged that the judge had brought a pre-written 59-page verdict and announced the decision despite the absence of defence counsel.

He also said Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were being kept in difficult conditions in jail.

Barrister Safdar said Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were in court at the time of the ruling.

He said Imran Khan smiled after hearing the judgment that he had been sentenced to 17 years in prison.

Salman Safdar said that Imran Khan was not surprised at all after hearing the verdict.

He said that Imran Khan was quite surprised that the judge announced the verdict in the absence of defence lawyers.

He said instead of hearing final arguments today, the judge brought a pre-prepared 59-page verdict.

According to a media report, before announcing the verdict, the judge asked Imran Khan three times to come to the rostrum, but the former prime minister declined and continued speaking to his wife.

The official added that after the judge left the courtroom, Imran Khan asked whether the verdict had been announced.

When told that he had been sentenced to 17 years in prison, he reportedly smiled.

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said the Toshakhana-II verdict was based on justice and that the sentence would be implemented only after the completion of the sentence in the £190 million case.

Speaking to the media, Tarar clarified that once the 14-year sentence in the £190 million case concludes, the 17-year sentence in the Toshakhana-II case will begin.

He reiterated the government’s position that the court’s decision was in accordance with due process.