Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have been convicted on corruption charges.
On Friday, a Pakistani court sentenced Khan to 14 years in prison and Bushra Bibi to 7 years.
The couple were accused of accepting a land gift from real estate tycoon Malik Riaz Hussain in exchange for laundering $240 million during Khan’s tenure.
This verdict adds to Khan’s sentences for corruption and other charges, bringing his total prison term to 14 years under Pakistan’s concurrent sentencing laws.
Prosecutors argued that funds returned to Pakistan by British authorities in 2022 were meant to be deposited into the national treasury but were instead misused.
Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, called the evidence against Khan “irrefutable” and accused him of abusing his authority as prime minister.
“Both the accused and the prosecution have admitted the basic fact of Khan and his wife operating a trust, which received land donations during his premiership,” said legal expert Osama Malik.
Speaking from the courtroom after the verdict, Khan described the case as politically motivated.
He told reporters that he “will neither make any deal nor seek any relief.” vowing to fight the decision.
His lawyer and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party leader, Omar Ayub Khan, reiterated the party’s stance: “This is a bogus case, and we will approach an appeals court against this decision.”
Meanwhile, PTI supporters have taken to the streets, with protests erupting outside Islamabad’s parliament and Adiala prison in Rawalpindi, where Khan is being held. Chanting for Khan’s release, demonstrators claim the charges aim to permanently bar him from politics following his removal via a no-confidence vote in 2022.
According to Khan’s supporters, his troubles began with U.S. interference. They alleged that the Biden administration and Pakistan’s military conspired to oust him. While these claims are unsubstantiated, they remain a rallying cry for PTI loyalists.
Bushra Bibi, previously imprisoned in another corruption case, was also taken into custody. Before her sentencing, she led a rally demanding Khan’s release.
What’s Next?
The PTI has announced plans to challenge the court’s decision, and analysts predict a prolonged legal battle. “The verdict was anticipated, and following today’s ruling, the chances for reconciliation appear to have faded,” said political analyst Zahid Hussain, per Deutsche Welle (DW).
Khan remains popular among his supporters, but legal experts like Osama Malik believe the evidence in this case is robust. “This case was open-and-shut, and Khan did not successfully defend himself,” said political commentator Asma Shirazi.
