Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison following his conviction in a corruption case related to the Al-Qadir Trust. The ruling was issued by a special anti-corruption court in Rawalpindi, a city close to Pakistan’s capital. Khan, who held office from 2018 to 2022, has been incarcerated since August 2023. His wife, Bushra Bibi, was also sentenced to seven years in prison in connection with the case.
The charges stem from an alleged abuse of power in the establishment of the Al-Qadir University project, which was led by Khan and his wife. Prosecutors argue that the couple leveraged their political influence to secure land from a wealthy businessman, Riaz, for the university. This land was then repurposed for a charitable institution, but it is alleged that it was primarily used for political gain, with claims of money laundering involving over $239 million.
In addition to the prison sentences, both Khan and his wife have been fined. Khan was ordered to pay 1 million Pakistani rupees, while Bushra Bibi was fined 500,000 rupees.
The ruling has generated significant debate across Pakistan. Some view the decision as politically motivated, while others believe it upholds the principles of justice. Khan’s defense team, led by lawyer Faisal Farid Chaudhry, has contested the fairness of the verdict, describing it as politically biased and pledging to challenge it in a higher court.
Imran Khan’s political trajectory has been marked by turmoil since his ousting in April 2022, following a no-confidence vote in Parliament. After his removal from office, Khan has faced a series of legal challenges, with numerous charges brought against him.
As the legal proceedings continue, attention is now focused on whether Khan and his wife will appeal the court’s decision. The outcome of the appeal could have far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s political landscape in the months ahead.