Imran Khan and Wife Given 17-Year Jail Terms in Fresh Pakistan Corruption Case

Post by : Saif Nasser

A court in Pakistan has sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years in prison each in a new corruption case. The ruling adds to the legal pressure on Khan, who has already been in jail since August 2023.

The case is linked to the alleged misuse of expensive gifts Khan received while serving as prime minister. Prosecutors said Khan and his wife bought luxury items, including high-value watches, from the state at prices far lower than their actual worth. They claim this caused financial losses to the government. Khan and Bushra Bibi have denied all charges.

Under the verdict, the court gave both Khan and his wife 10 years in prison for criminal breach of trust and another seven years under anti-corruption laws. The court also imposed heavy fines.

Khan’s lawyer, Rana Mudassar Umer, said the decision was announced without allowing the defence to fully present its case. He called the ruling unjust and said it violated basic legal rights.

Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the new 17-year sentence would start only after Khan completes his current 14-year prison term in a separate land corruption case. This means Khan could remain behind bars for many years if the convictions stand.

The case focuses on gifts reportedly given to Khan by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during official visits. According to Pakistan’s rules, such gifts must be returned to the state or bought at their full market value. Prosecutors say the couple broke these rules by purchasing the items at discounted prices.

Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), rejected the verdict and said the cases against him are politically driven. Party spokesperson Zulfi Bukhari said the ruling turned the justice system into a tool for targeting opponents.

Khan has asked his lawyers to appeal the decision in the Islamabad High Court. His legal team confirmed that the appeal process would begin soon.

This is not the first case related to state gifts. Earlier Toshakhana cases led to jail terms for Khan and Bushra Bibi, but those sentences were later suspended by higher courts. Toshakhana is the government department that manages gifts received by public officials.

After the latest verdict, PTI announced plans to hold protests across Punjab province. The party also accused authorities of blocking family and legal visits to Khan in recent weeks. Officials have denied these claims and said Khan is being treated according to prison rules.

Imran Khan, a former cricket hero who rose to become one of Pakistan’s most influential leaders, remains a deeply divisive figure. As his legal battles continue, the outcome is likely to shape Pakistan’s political future in the months ahead.