Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been handed a 14-year prison sentence for corruption, according to his political party, Pakistan Tehreef-e-Insaaf (PTI). This marks the second legal blow to Khan in a week, following a 10-year sentence for leaking state secrets. Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, has also been convicted and taken into police custody. The sentencing comes just days before a general election expected on February 8, which many analysts believe to be one of the least credible in Pakistan’s history due to the military’s crackdown on Khan and his aides.
Khan, who has been incarcerated since August on multiple charges, has been barred from holding office for 10 years. The case against him and his wife relates to the unlawful sale of state gifts during his tenure as prime minister from 2018 to 2022. Despite the legal setbacks, Khan remains popular among Pakistan’s young voters, who see him as a departure from the political dynasties and military rule that have dominated the country’s history.
The former cricket star turned politician rose to power in 2018 on an anti-corruption platform but has faced political controversy since his ousting in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022. This event triggered a prolonged confrontation between Khan and the powerful military, with Khan accusing them of orchestrating his removal, a claim denied by the military.
Khan’s rallies, which drew large crowds across the country, became a symbol of public anger against the ruling establishment. In response, the military launched a crackdown on Khan and his party members, using intimidation tactics, travel bans, and arrests on various charges. The PTI has been prohibited from using its cricket bat symbol on ballots, and TV stations are banned from airing Khan’s speeches.
The upcoming general election in Pakistan is marred by concerns over its credibility, given the military’s actions against Khan and his party. Despite the challenges, Khan’s supporters continue to view him as a beacon of hope for a corruption-free Pakistan.
The PTI criticized Wednesday’s sentencing as another blow to the country’s judicial system, claiming that it is being dismantled. The party vowed to challenge the decision, which they consider ridiculous and politically motivated.
This is not the first time Khan has faced legal troubles. Last August, he was sentenced to three years in prison and barred from holding office for five years by the Election Commission of Pakistan in the same corruption case. However, the conviction was later suspended.
Khan’s allegations of political motivation behind the charges against him have been denied by the authorities. The ongoing legal battles and political controversies surrounding Khan have raised concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law in Pakistan.
In conclusion, Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for corruption, along with a 10-year ban on holding office. These legal blows come amidst a backdrop of political controversy and a crackdown by the military. Despite the challenges, Khan’s popularity among young voters remains strong, as they see him as a symbol of change and a break from the country’s history of corruption and military rule. The upcoming general election is expected to be marred by credibility concerns, given the military’s actions against Khan and his party.