Pakistan Tehreef-e-Insaaf (PTI) announced on Wednesday that Imran Khan, the country’s ex-Prime Minister, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for corruption.
This marks the second legal setback for Khan this week. The verdict, delivered by the National Accountability Bureau, relates to the illicit sale of state gifts during Khan’s tenure from 2018 to 2022.
Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were both convicted and Khan has also been barred from holding public office for 10 years. Bibi was taken into police custody following the sentencing.
The sentencing comes just days before the expected general election on February 8 and follows a previous 10-year sentence handed to Khan for disclosing state secrets. Khan will serve both sentences concurrently.
Many analysts consider Pakistan’s upcoming election to be among the least credible in its history due to the military’s crackdown on Khan and his associates.
Despite his legal troubles, Khan maintains popularity among Pakistan’s predominantly young voters who see him as a departure from traditional political dynasties and military rule.
Khan’s political journey took a turn after being ousted in a parliamentary vote of no confidence in April 2022, leading to a confrontation with the military, which he accuses of orchestrating his removal. The military denies these allegations.
Khan’s defiance against the military resulted in nationwide rallies and public dissent against the ruling regime. In response, the military launched a crackdown on Khan and his party, including arrests and restrictions on travel.
The PTI faced obstacles such as the prohibition of its cricket bat symbol on ballots and restrictions on airing Khan’s speeches on TV.
PTI condemned the latest sentencing as a blow to the judicial system, pledging to challenge the decision.
This is not the first time Khan has faced legal consequences; he was previously sentenced to three years in prison and barred from holding office for five years in August, though that conviction was later suspended.
Khan maintains that the charges against him are politically motivated, a claim disputed by authorities.
Source-CNN
