In a surprising turn of events, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been handed a three-year jail sentence by a court in Islamabad, igniting a fervent legal battle as he vehemently denies corruption allegations. The case, which revolves around his alleged failure to declare income from the sale of state gifts, has drawn both local and international attention, as Mr. Khan’s legal team prepares to appeal the verdict.
The 70-year-old former cricketer, who was elected in 2018, finds himself entangled in a web of over 100 cases following his ousting in a no-confidence vote last year. Mr. Khan is not only contesting the charges but also asserting that they are politically motivated, casting a shadow of doubt over the integrity of the legal proceedings.
The focus of Saturday’s verdict was Mr. Khan’s alleged misdeclaration of gifts from foreign dignitaries and the subsequent sale of these items. The gifts, with an estimated value of over 140 million Pakistani rupees ($635,000), included luxurious Rolex watches, an exquisite ring, and a pair of cuff links.
Expressing his discontent, Mr. Khan’s barrister, Gohar Khan, decried the verdict as “a murder of justice,” highlighting the perceived lack of fairness in the trial. “We weren’t even given a chance. We weren’t even allowed to cross [examine], to say anything in defense or conduct our arguments. I haven’t seen this kind of injustice before,” he lamented.
The courtroom drama spilled onto the streets as the verdict was delivered, with a crowd, including prosecuting lawyers, chanting accusations against Mr. Khan. The former Prime Minister’s party, Tehreek-e-Insaf, confirmed his arrest in Lahore, followed by his transfer to the capital city, Islamabad, to serve his sentence.
This development marks a significant shift for Mr. Khan, who had managed to evade arrest for months, aided by his steadfast supporters who at times engaged in tense confrontations with law enforcement. His previous arrest in May, stemming from his failure to appear in court, was later deemed unlawful, providing a glimpse of the legal complexities surrounding his case.
The embattled leader’s party has faced mounting pressure from authorities, resulting in the departure of several senior officials and the apprehension of numerous supporters allegedly involved in post-arrest protests.
Critics point to Pakistan’s military, which has historically held sway in the nation’s politics, as a significant factor in Mr. Khan’s political journey. Despite suspicions of military involvement in his 2018 election victory, Mr. Khan emerged as a vocal critic of the military establishment while in opposition, leading to a decline in the military’s popularity.
As Pakistan’s parliament is set to dissolve on August 9, the nation braces for a period of transition, with a caretaker government poised to step in ahead of upcoming elections. While an official election date is yet to be announced, the looming possibility of Mr. Khan’s conviction leading to his disqualification from holding office could reshape the political landscape, potentially altering the course of Pakistan’s future.
(BBC inputs)
The Chenab Times News Desk