In a significant turn of events, Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has been arrested and sentenced to three years in jail for corruption. This verdict poses a serious threat to his political career as he remains the country’s leading opposition figure despite being ousted in a no-confidence vote in April 2022. The court found Khan guilty of concealing assets obtained from the sale of state gifts.
Shortly after the court’s decision, Khan was swiftly taken into custody by the police from his residence in Lahore. He was then transferred to a high-security prison in Islamabad, known for its harsh conditions. This arrest, viewed by critics as politically motivated, comes just months before the general elections scheduled later this year. It is believed that Khan’s immense popularity and ability to mobilize large crowds pose a significant threat to the ruling coalition backed by Pakistan’s powerful military, which historically held the final authority in the nation’s politics since gaining independence from Britain in 1947.
This is not the first time Khan has faced detention this year, as he joins the list of former Pakistani prime ministers who have been arrested in the past due to military interventions. Since his removal from office, Khan has been entangled in over 150 legal cases, ranging from corruption charges to terrorism and inciting violence during protests. If the prison sentence stands, it will prevent Khan from participating in this year’s elections, as individuals with criminal convictions are prohibited from holding or running for public office. However, his political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has expressed intentions to challenge this decision.
The Minister of Information, Maryam Aurangzeb, refuted allegations that Khan’s arrest is politically motivated and emphasized that he had been given ample opportunities to defend himself against the charges of asset concealment.
Aurangzeb further stated, “Imran Khan has been proven guilty of illegal practices, corruption, concealing assets, and falsely declaring wealth in his tax returns.” Meanwhile, PTI spokesperson Rauf Hasan condemned the asset concealment trial, deeming it “the worst in history” and equating it to the “murder of justice.”
Amidst these developments, a video message from Khan was released by his party, showcasing him seated behind a desk adorned with the Pakistani and PTI flags. However, the exact timing of the recording remains unclear. In the message, Khan urged his supporters not to remain passive and announced his imminent imprisonment, encouraging them to peacefully protest for their rights, including a government chosen through fair voting.
Upon hearing news of Khan’s conviction and arrest, a group of pro-Khan lawyers gathered outside his residence in Zaman Park, Lahore, expressing their discontent. In contrast, supporters of a rival political party distributed sweets to celebrate his detention. Khan was later transferred to a high-security prison in Attock district, Punjab, notorious for housing convicted militants and those awaiting trial.
Khan now joins the list of former prime ministers who have been arrested in Pakistan, such as Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who was ultimately hanged in 1979, and Nawaz Sharif, the brother of the current prime minister, who faced multiple arrests on corruption charges during his tenure.
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Contributions to this article were made by Babar Dogar from Lahore.
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