Pakistan Court Sentences Imran Khan and Wife to 17 Years Each in New Graft Case

Post by : Saif

A Pakistani court on Saturday sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years in prison each in a fresh corruption case. The ruling adds to the growing list of legal troubles facing the jailed former leader, who has been in custody since August 2023.

The case is linked to the alleged misuse of luxury gifts received while Khan was in office. Prosecutors said Khan and his wife bought expensive state gifts at prices far below their real value, causing losses to the national treasury. The couple has denied all allegations.

According to the court’s verdict, Khan and Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 10 years in prison for criminal breach of trust under Pakistan’s penal code. They were also given an additional seven years under anti-corruption laws. Heavy fines were imposed as well.

Khan’s lawyer, Rana Mudassar Umer, said the sentence was announced without giving the defence a proper hearing. He described the ruling as unfair and said it violated basic legal principles.

This latest sentence will not run at the same time as Khan’s earlier punishment. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the new 17-year term would begin only after Khan completes his current 14-year sentence in a separate land corruption case.

The case focuses on luxury watches and other expensive items reportedly gifted to Khan by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during official visits. Prosecutors said these gifts should have been returned to the state or purchased at full market value under Pakistan’s rules. Instead, they allege the items were bought at discounted rates, costing the state millions of rupees.

Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), strongly criticised the verdict. Party spokesperson Zulfi Bukhari said the ruling ignored justice and was an example of selective prosecution. PTI leaders argue that the cases against Khan are politically motivated and meant to keep him out of politics.

Khan has instructed his legal team to challenge the decision in the Islamabad High Court. His lawyer Salman Safdar confirmed that an appeal would be filed soon.

This case is separate from an earlier state gifts case, also known as a Toshakhana case. In that matter, earlier sentences against Khan and Bushra Bibi were suspended after appeals. Toshakhana refers to the government department that stores gifts received by public officials.

After Saturday’s verdict, PTI announced plans to hold protests across Punjab province. The party also claimed that Khan’s family members and lawyers have been denied visits in recent weeks, despite court orders. Authorities have rejected these claims, saying Khan is being treated according to prison rules.

Imran Khan, once a celebrated cricket star and later a powerful political leader, remains one of Pakistan’s most controversial figures. As his legal battles continue, his future in politics remains uncertain, while the country watches closely amid rising political tension.

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