Imran Khan sentenced to 14 years in corruption case

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan and wife Bushra Bibi convicted in Al-Qadir Trust corruption case.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan addresses media representatives at his residence in Lahore on May 18, 2023. Photo by Arif Ali/AFP/Getty Images

By Nada Fadiyah and Amanda Zahra

In a significant legal ruling, former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan was sentenced to 14 years in prison on Friday in a landmark graft case linked to the Al-Qadir Trust. His wife, Bushra Bibi, was also convicted and handed a seven-year sentence. The decision marks a critical moment in Pakistan's political and judicial history, with Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party vowing to challenge the verdict.

The anti-graft court convened at the jail near Islamabad, where Khan has been held since August 2023 on numerous charges. Judge Nasir Javed Rana announced the sentence, stating, “The prosecution has proven its case. Khan is convicted.”

Bushra Bibi, who was recently released on bail, was rearrested at the court after her conviction. Her spokeswoman, Mashal Yousafzai, confirmed the development.

Imran Khan addressed reporters inside the courtroom, maintaining his innocence. “I will neither make any deal nor seek any relief,” he said, reiterating his stance that the charges against him are politically motivated.

The case centers on the Al-Qadir Trust, a welfare foundation Khan and Bushra Bibi established together. Prosecutors allege that funds meant for charitable purposes were misappropriated.

This case is one of approximately 200 legal challenges Khan has faced since his ousting from power in 2022. While some previous convictions have been overturned, the Al-Qadir Trust case has proven to be the most enduring, keeping Khan in custody even as other sentences were suspended.

Khan’s conviction comes amid rising political tensions in Pakistan. A rare meeting between PTI leaders and the government was held just a day before the verdict, sparking speculation about backroom negotiations. Despite these developments, Khan has remained defiant, issuing statements condemning the government and promising to fight his legal battles in court.

Khan’s PTI party maintains that the cases against him are part of a deliberate effort to disqualify him from political office. Earlier this year, a UN panel of experts found that Khan’s detention “had no legal basis and appears to have been intended to disqualify him from running for political office.”

The PTI party has faced significant challenges since Khan’s ousting. Although PTI won more seats than any other party in February’s election, a coalition of parties perceived to be aligned with Pakistan’s military establishment formed the government, keeping PTI out of power.

The military, long considered the country’s kingmakers, has been a central focus of Khan’s political rhetoric. Since his removal from office, Khan has openly criticized the generals, accusing them of interfering in Pakistan’s political landscape.

Khan’s conviction is likely to have far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s political future. Analysts suggest the ruling may further polarize the country, intensifying the divide between Khan’s supporters and his opponents.

Despite his legal troubles, Khan remains a popular figure in Pakistan. His ability to mobilize mass support has repeatedly challenged the shaky coalition government. As political instability continues, Khan’s PTI party plans to challenge the latest ruling, hoping to overturn the verdict and regain momentum.

The conviction of a former prime minister and his spouse in a high-profile corruption case underscores the volatile state of Pakistan’s political system. While the government may view the ruling as a step toward accountability, critics argue it is a calculated move to suppress political opposition.

As the country grapples with its political and economic challenges, the fate of Imran Khan and his party will remain a focal point in Pakistan’s unfolding political drama.

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