Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to 10 years in jail in a case where he was charged with leaking state secrets. This comes as Khan is already serving a three-year jail term for corruption charges. Khan, who was ousted by his opponents as PM in 2022, has consistently claimed that all the charges against him are politically motivated.
The conviction under the secrets act comes just a week before general elections, in which Khan is barred from standing. This development has significant implications for his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The party’s vice-chairman, former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, has also been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Both men are currently held in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
The sentencing of Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi has raised questions about the fairness and impartiality of the judicial process in Pakistan. Critics argue that these convictions are part of a larger pattern of targeting political opponents and stifling dissent.
Imran Khan, a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, rose to fame as a cricketer before entering politics. He founded PTI in 1996 and has been a vocal advocate for social justice and anti-corruption measures. Despite his legal troubles, Khan maintains a strong support base among his followers.
As the former prime minister serves his jail term, the political landscape in Pakistan continues to evolve. The upcoming general elections will be closely watched, as they will shape the future direction of the country. The sentencing of Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious political climate.