- Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan sentenced to 14 years imprisonment in a land corruption case.
- Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, sentenced to 7 years for aiding corrupt practices.
- Both jailed over allegations of receiving land in exchange for illegal favors during Khan’s tenure (2018-2022).
- Khan’s party plans to appeal the verdict, calling it politically motivated.
- The verdict disrupts reconciliation talks between Khan’s PTI party and the government.
Court Verdict and Allegations
An anti-graft court in Rawalpindi sentenced Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, on corruption charges linked to the Al-Qadir Trust. Prosecutors allege the trust was a front for illegally acquiring land from a real estate developer. The court also ordered the confiscation of 60 acres near Islamabad and another plot near Khan’s residence.
Khan, 72, and his wife have denied the charges, claiming the land was intended for a non-profit educational institution. Despite the setback, Khan remains defiant, calling the conviction a “joke” in a statement from prison.
Impact on Political Landscape
The sentencing adds to Pakistan’s political turmoil, with reconciliation talks between Khan’s PTI party and the government already strained. Analysts suggest the talks aimed to offer legal respite to Khan’s party in exchange for halting protests against alleged election rigging.
Khan has been in custody since August 2023, facing multiple legal battles. While acquitted or having sentences suspended in most cases, this and a related charge of inciting violence on May 9, 2023, remain unresolved.
PTI’s Response and Future Plans
Khan’s party plans to challenge the verdict in higher courts. Omar Ayub, a key aide, confirmed the appeal. Meanwhile, Khan urged his supporters to remain calm, emphasizing resilience in his struggle against what he called a dictatorship.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar suggested Khan could file a mercy petition with the president, though no such action has been confirmed.
The verdict is the most significant legal blow to Khan since his ouster in 2022. Despite PTI’s strong performance in the 2024 elections, the party’s influence has been hampered by legal and political challenges.
The ruling further complicates Pakistan’s efforts to stabilize its political and economic landscape, with Khan’s supporters likely to intensify protests in response to the sentencing.
