Imran Khan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has been handed a 10-year prison sentence just days before the upcoming national election in which his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), cannot participate fully due to various restrictions.
Pakistan is scheduled to hold its elections next Thursday amid allegations of pre-election tampering. Imran Khan, who has been vocal against the military’s involvement in politics, has been banned from running in the election, and his party, the PTI, is facing significant challenges. Khan has been embroiled in legal battles leading up to the election.
Having already been disqualified from contesting the February 8th poll due to a previous conviction, Khan received today’s sentence for leaking classified state documents. The verdict was delivered at Adiala jail, where Khan has been detained since his arrest in August.
In a statement addressed to the electorate and shared on his social media profile, Khan urged voters to retaliate against injustice with their ballots, emphasizing their agency in shaping the country’s future.
The same sentence was handed down to Shah Mahmood Qureshi, former PTI vice-chairman and Khan’s ally during his premiership. The verdict has sparked outrage among PTI officials and supporters, with calls for justice echoing outside the jail.
Expressing dismay over the trial proceedings, Gauhar Bano Qureshi, daughter of Shah Mahmood Qureshi, denounced the lack of fairness and questioned the integrity of the legal system.
PTI lawyers have condemned the trial, alleging procedural irregularities and a lack of fair representation for their clients. Barrister Salman Safdar described the proceedings as unconstitutional and a violation of natural justice.
The sentencing of Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi has further intensified the political turmoil in Pakistan ahead of the crucial election, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the rule of law in the country.
