Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan Sentenced to 17 Years
ISLAMABAD (AP) — In a significant legal development, a Pakistani court has handed down a 17-year prison sentence to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. The couple was found guilty of unlawfully retaining and selling state gifts, according to court officials and Khan’s political party.
The charges, which Khan and his wife have denied since their indictment last year, relate to allegations of selling state gifts at prices significantly below their market value. These gifts reportedly included jewelry from Saudi Arabia, appraised by prosecutors at a market value of $285,521, while Khan declared them at just over $10,000.
Legal representative for Khan, Salman Safdar, has confirmed plans to appeal the court’s decision. Under Pakistani regulations, officials must purchase any gifts received from foreign dignitaries at their market value and disclose any revenue from their sale.
In response to the verdict, Khan’s spokesperson, Zulfiquar Bukhari, criticized the sentencing, asserting that it violated fundamental justice principles by imposing criminal liability without evidence of intent, gain, or loss. Bukhari expressed concerns about the fairness of the trial, suggesting it amounted to selective prosecution.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Khan’s political party, condemned the court’s decision, describing it as “a black chapter in history.” The party’s official statement noted that Khan was present at the Adiala prison in Rawalpindi when the verdict was delivered, criticizing the trial’s closed-door nature as indicative of a “military Trial.”
PTI senior leader, Omar Ayub, voiced his discontent on X, asserting that Pakistan lacks a rule of law. Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar defended the court’s ruling, citing substantial evidence of corruption and describing the verdict as fair.
Despite being ousted from office in April 2022 through a no-confidence vote, Khan remains a prominent figure in Pakistani politics. His party made notable gains in the February 8, 2024, parliamentary elections, although they did not secure a majority. Claims of election rigging were made by PTI, but these have been denied by the current government.
In the political arena, Khan’s main rival, Shehbaz Sharif, currently holds the prime ministerial position. Khan has consistently alleged that his ousting was the result of a U.S.-backed conspiracy involving Pakistan’s military, allegations that have been denied by the U.S., the military, and his political adversaries.
Khan has been serving multiple prison sentences since 2023 on various corruption-related charges, which he and his supporters argue are designed to hinder his political career.
