Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan Jailed for 14 Years in Corruption Case

Imran Khan
Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan Jailed for 14 Years in Corruption Case

Rawalpindi, Pakistan: Pakistan’s Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to 14 years in prison in a corruption case involving the Al-Qadir Trust. His wife, Bushra Bibi, was also convicted and handed a 7-year sentence. The verdict was announced by an anti-corruption court on Friday inside Adiala Jail, where Khan has been held since August 2023.

Details of the Case

The case related to the misuse of £190 million (PRs50 billion) that was returned to Pakistan by the UK’s National Crime Agency. Prosecutors of case accused Khan and Bushra Bibi of accepting land from real estate tycoon Malik Riaz in exchange for facilitating the settlement. The funds, instead of being deposited into the national treasury, were allegedly used for personal gains, including acquiring 458 kanals of land for Al-Qadir University in Jhelum, a project under the couple’s welfare trust.

The case judge Nasir Javed Rana delivered the verdict in a makeshift courtroom, stating, “The prosecution has proven its case.” The judgment was delayed several times since the case was filed in December 2023 by Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

Imran Khan’s Response

Imran Khan, who already faced multiple legal challenges since his removal from prime minister, pakistan in April 2022, denied all charges. He called the case politically motivated and a deliberate attempt by his rivals to keep him out of politics. After the verdict, Khan reportedly told reporters, “I will neither make any deal nor seek any relief.”

This is not the first conviction for the former cricketer-turned-politician. He has previously been sentenced on charges of corruption and other offenses, with some cases overturned or suspended. However, Khan remains in custody due to the ongoing legal proceedings in other cases.

Political and Social Implications

The conviction of Imran Khan adds to the political disturbance in Pakistan. Supporters of Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), view the legal actions as an effort to suppress his influence and disqualify him from elections. Despite his party winning the most seats in recent elections, PTI was unable to form a government, with coalition parties seen as closer to the military establishment taking control.

This case has also drawn international attention, with a UN panel previously questioning the legality of Khan’s detention and suggesting it may have been politically motivated.

The sentencing of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in the Al-Qadir Trust case is a significant development in Pakistan’s political landscape. While it highlights issues of accountability, it also raises questions about the fairness of the judicial process and the growing divide between political leaders and state institutions. As the legal battle continues, the future of Khan’s political career and his party remains uncertain.

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