Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to three years in jail after being found guilty of corruption allegations. The charges revolve around his failure to declare money earned from selling gifts received during his time in office. However, Mr. Khan vehemently denies the allegations and plans to appeal the verdict.
Following the court’s ruling, Mr. Khan was taken into custody from his home in Lahore. In a pre-recorded video address posted on social media, he urged his supporters to take to the streets in protest against the ruling, stating that he is fighting for them, the country, and the future of their children.
The 70-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician had been elected as Prime Minister in 2018 but was ousted through a no-confidence vote the following year after a falling-out with Pakistan’s influential military. Since his removal from office, he has faced over 100 cases, which he claims are politically motivated.
The latest verdict focused on charges related to the incorrect declaration of gifts received from foreign dignitaries and the proceeds from their alleged sale. The gifts were reportedly worth over 140 million Pakistani rupees, and Judge Humayun Dilawar wrote in his ruling that Mr. Khan’s dishonesty had been established beyond doubt.
Shortly after the verdict, police were instructed to arrest Mr. Khan immediately, and he was taken to Adyala jail in Rawalpindi, south of Islamabad. His lawyer, Intazar Hussain Panjutha, labeled the trial a “kangaroo-type court” and stated that his client would be barred from participating in politics for five years due to the conviction.
The situation surrounding Mr. Khan’s arrest has been tense, with his supporters engaging in clashes with the police to prevent his custody. In May, he was arrested but later released on the grounds of the arrest being declared illegal.
Mr. Khan and his political party have faced a crackdown following his last arrest, with many senior members arrested and others leaving the party. His supporters have also faced arrests and trials in military courts, leading to concerns from human rights groups.
The former Prime Minister has been vocal in criticizing Pakistan’s powerful military, claiming they fear democratic elections in which his party would emerge victorious. However, analysts believe his 2018 election win happened with the military’s assistance.
Mr. Khan’s conviction could disqualify him from running for office, possibly for life, leading to uncertainties about the upcoming elections. Pakistan’s parliament is set to be dissolved on August 9, with a caretaker government taking over until the elections are held. However, the election date remains uncertain due to the implementation of new census results, which could potentially delay the process by several months.