In a major legal setback, a Pakistani court on Friday sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to prison after finding them guilty of corruption. Khan received a 14-year sentence, while his wife was handed a seven-year term.
The charges against the couple relate to allegations of accepting a land gift from real estate tycoon Malik Riaz in exchange for laundered funds. The detailed court ruling declared Khan guilty of corruption and accused his wife of aiding and abetting the corrupt practices. Bushra Bibi, who had been out on bail, was taken into custody immediately after the verdict and transferred to the same prison where Khan is being held.
Background of the Case
Prosecutors argued that Khan facilitated Riaz in paying fines, imposed in an unrelated case, using laundered money. The funds, totaling £190 million ($240 million), were originally returned to Pakistan by British authorities in 2022 and meant for the national treasury.
Khan has consistently denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. He claims the charges are part of a broader strategy by rivals to block his return to power.
Political and Legal Challenges
The former cricket star, ousted from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022, has faced numerous legal battles since his removal. These include charges of corruption, violating marriage laws, and revealing state secrets. While Khan has been acquitted or had sentences suspended in several cases, this corruption verdict and another involving incitement of violence remain active.
Under Pakistani law, Khan will serve his sentences concurrently, with the longest term—14 years—defining his imprisonment.
Supporters React
A message attributed to Khan from his jail cell, posted on social media platform X, urged his followers to remain calm. Calling the conviction a “joke,” he vowed to continue his struggle against what he described as a dictatorship. “We will not make any deals and will face all false cases,” the post read.
Khan’s supporters, who have staged several protests since his arrest in August 2023, have previously rallied violently in response to his legal troubles. The most notable demonstrations occurred in May 2023, following his initial detention, when protesters stormed military facilities.
Political Implications
This verdict is a significant blow to Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Despite strong performance in the 2024 general elections, PTI candidates—forced to run as independents—fell short of securing a majority. Analysts speculate that reconciliation talks between PTI and the government, delayed amid the court proceedings, could offer legal relief to Khan in exchange for a cessation of anti-government protests.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar suggested Khan could seek clemency through a mercy petition to Pakistan’s president. However, Khan’s defiant stance suggests he is unlikely to pursue such a route soon.
Trials Under Tight Security
Given security concerns, Khan’s trials have been held inside the prison where he has been detained. Observers note that this corruption verdict may mark a turning point in his political career, but it remains to be seen how it will impact his support base and broader political landscape in Pakistan.
