Former Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan was arrested on Saturday following a court’s decision to sentence him to three years in jail for corruption. This development could potentially diminish his political future. The court determined that Khan, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote in April 2022 but remains a prominent opposition figure, had concealed assets after selling state gifts. Senior police officer Ali Nasir Rizvi confirmed that police promptly transferred the former cricket star from his home in Lahore to the capital city, Islamabad.
The effort to imprison Khan, a divisive politician, has intensified as general elections approach this year. His popularity, large support base, and ability to mobilize significant crowds pose a threat to the ruling coalition and its allies in Pakistan’s powerful military. The military has played a decisive role in the country’s politics since its independence from Britain.
This year marks the second time Khan has been detained, joining other former Pakistani prime ministers who have faced arrest and military interventions over the years. Since his removal from office, he has been involved in over 150 legal cases, including charges of corruption, terrorism, and incitement to violence during protests after his arrest in May. These protests led to attacks on government and military properties across the country.
The prison sentence could disqualify Khan from participating in politics before the upcoming elections, as individuals with criminal convictions are prohibited from holding or running for public office. Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stated that it will challenge the decision.
Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb denied that Khan’s arrest was related to the upcoming elections and emphasized that he had been given sufficient opportunity to defend himself against the asset concealment charges. Aurangzeb claimed that Khan had used this time to delay court proceedings by repeatedly going to the high court and supreme court to halt the case. She added that Khan has been found guilty of illegal practices, corruption, asset concealment, and false declaration of wealth in tax returns.
Various individuals have expressed their opinions on Saturday’s events. Khan’s former political secretary, Aun Chaudhry, believes that they will contribute to political stability, while Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari sees them as comeuppance for Khan. PTI spokesman Rauf Hasan called the asset concealment trial the “worst in history” and equated it to the murder of justice.
In Lahore, a group of pro-Khan lawyers protested his conviction and arrest outside his Zaman Park home, while supporters of a rival political party distributed sweets to celebrate his detention in the same city. PTI released a video message in which Khan appeared at his Lahore home, seated behind a desk with the Pakistani and PTI flags in the background. The timing of the recording was unclear. Khan addressed his supporters, stating that he would be in jail by the time they received the message and urging them not to stay silent in their homes. He emphasized that his actions were not for his personal freedom, but for the future of the nation and the rights of its people. He called for peaceful protests until the people obtained a government of their choice through voting, rather than the current occupying power.
Khan was transferred to a high-security jail in Punjab’s Attock district, known for its harsh conditions. The prison houses convicted militants and those awaiting trial.
Khan now becomes the seventh former prime minister of Pakistan to be arrested. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was arrested and executed in 1979, while Nawaz Sharif, the current prime minister’s brother and a former prime minister, has faced multiple arrests on corruption charges.
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