- Imran Khan and wife sentenced to 14 years in prison in Toshakhana case, fined PKR 787 million.
- PTI faces political bans and crackdown ahead of general elections, including a ban on mentioning Imran Khan’s name on TV.
- Despite legal challenges, Imran Khan remains a popular political figure in Pakistan; appeals expected.
In a significant development, former Pakistan Prime Minister and cricket legend Imran Khan, along with his wife, Bushra Bibi, has been handed a 14-year prison sentence in the Toshakhana reference case. The case centers around Khan allegedly selling gifts without declaring the proceeds for tax purposes during his tenure as the country’s leader.
Imran Khan, already serving a three-year prison term since August, now faces an extended sentence, which will run concurrently with a ten-year jail term imposed just a day earlier on a separate charge related to corrupt practices in the sale of state gifts. The total fine imposed on Imran Khan amounts to PKR 787 million (US$2.9 million approx.).
Will Imran Khan participate in general elections?
This latest legal blow to the former Prime Minister comes amidst a broader state crackdown against him and his political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI). The PTI, founded by Khan, has faced challenges ranging from political rallies being dispersed to an official ban on mentioning Imran’s name on Pakistani TV. The party is also prohibited from participating altogether in the upcoming general elections, just eight days away.
The PTI has criticized the trial, claiming it exposes a complete disregard for the law. The International Federation for Human Rights has expressed concern about Imran Khan’s denial of access to his chosen counsel, calling it a violation of international law. Imran and his legal team are expected to appeal the recent sentence, although no immediate statement has been issued.
The political climate in Pakistan has been tense since Imran Khan’s removal as Prime Minister in April 2022, with over a hundred cases registered against him. Despite the legal challenges and the crackdown, Imran Khan remains a significant political figure in the country, as indicated by his popularity in recent independent polls. His arrest in May 2023 led to violent uprisings and an internet blackout, with thousands of his supporters arrested.
As Pakistan approaches the upcoming general elections, the sentencing and the broader state crackdown against Imran Khan and the PTI raise questions about the political landscape and the extent to which these developments will impact the democratic process in the country.
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