Pakistan’s former PM Imran Khan sentenced to 14 years: Second conviction within two days sparks political turmoil
In a dramatic turn of events, the former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have been sentenced to 14 years in prison, marking the second legal blow in as many days.
The charges stem from allegations of illegally profiting from state gifts received while in office.
The court also imposed a substantial fine of approximately 1.5 billion rupees. This follows Tuesday’s 10-year sentence for Khan for leaking classified state documents.
These legal setbacks come just a week before a crucial general election, where Imran Khan is barred from standing.
The court’s ruling not only involves imprisonment but also disqualifies Khan from political activities for a decade.
The Pakistan Tenrec-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by Khan, vehemently denounces the charges as politically motivated, pledging to appeal the decisions in the High Court.
Imran Khan, who was ousted as Prime Minister in 2022, claims the numerous cases against him are part of a broader political agenda.
The PTI alleges that the trials were rushed, occurring in what they describe as “kangaroo courts.” The party accuses the judiciary of being dismantled, highlighting concerns about the credibility of the upcoming general election.
Despite these legal challenges, Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, has cited confusion over the timing of the court proceedings.
The former prime minister, a prominent international cricket star, has been in detention since August, facing multiple legal battles.
The recent rulings intensify the political turmoil in Pakistan, with the PTI party’s leaders sidelined or behind bars.
The election landscape is further complicated as PTI candidates run as independents, and the party has been stripped of its cricket bat symbol, crucial in a nation with lower literacy rates. The unfolding events raise questions about the fairness of the upcoming election, with the authorities denying claims of a crackdown on the PTI.
In the face of these challenges, Nawaz Sharif, a three-time former Prime Minister, emerges as a prominent figure in the election. Sharif, previously at odds with the military, was jailed for corruption before the 2018 election that Khan won. The shifting dynamics suggest a change in the military’s preference, marking a significant turn for Khan, once considered close to the military but now seemingly out of favor.
