A Pakistani court has sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan to 14 years in prison for land corruption.
The verdict was delivered on Friday by an anti-graft court in a prison in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, where Khan has been jailed since August 2023. His wife, Bushra Bibi, was also found guilty and sentenced to seven years in prison.
Khan and his wife were accused of receiving land from a real estate developer during his premiership from 2018 to 2022 in exchange for illegal favors. They pleaded not guilty, but the court found them guilty of corruption and corrupt practices.
The land in question was allegedly given to the Al-Qadir Trust, a non-government welfare body set up by the couple when Khan was in office. Prosecutors claimed the trust was a front for Khan to illegally receive land.
Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), maintains that the land was not for personal gain and was intended for a spiritual and educational institution. Khan himself, in a message from jail, called the conviction a "joke" and vowed to continue his fight against the "dictatorship."
This verdict is the biggest setback for Khan and his party since their surprisingly good showing in the 2024 general election. Khan has been facing dozens of cases since being ousted from office in 2022, but has either been acquitted or had his sentences suspended in most cases. This is the second case in which he has been convicted.
The verdict is likely to further escalate political tensions in Pakistan. Khan's supporters have already held several violent protests since his arrest in May 2023, and the latest development is sure to fuel further unrest.
13 Comments
Rotfront
Khan's supporters need to accept the verdict and allow the law to take its course. Violence and unrest will only hurt Pakistan.
Matzomaster
This is a wake-up call for all Pakistanis. We must stand up and demand justice for Imran Khan and for all those who are being victimized by the government.
Karamba
The people of Pakistan will not stand for this injustice. We will continue to fight for Imran Khan and for a just Pakistan.
Rotfront
Khan's conviction sends a strong message to other corrupt politicians. They should be warned that they will not get away with their crimes.
Karamba
We will not let this injustice stand. We will continue to fight for the release of Imran Khan and for a just Pakistan.
Eugene Alta
This is a clear message that the government is not interested in the rule of law. They are only interested in clinging to power at any cost.
Loubianka
The international community should welcome this verdict as a positive step for Pakistan. It shows that the country is committed to fighting corruption.
BuggaBoom
This is a clear message that no one is above the law, not even a former Prime Minister. Nobody is above the law.
Katchuka
This is a reminder that corruption has no place in Pakistan. We need to build a better future for our country, free from corruption.
KittyKat
This is a travesty of justice. The real criminals are the corrupt politicians who are enjoying their lavish lifestyles while the people suffer.
Noir Black
This is a mockery of justice. There is no evidence of corruption, only fabricated charges. Shame on the judges involved in this charade.
Loubianka
This is a step in the right direction in the fight against corruption in Pakistan. We need to hold those in power accountable for their actions.
Michelangelo
This is a day of hope for the people of Pakistan. We can finally see a future where justice prevails and corruption is punished.