Imran Khan: A Fall from Power – Sentenced to Three Years

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Sentenced to Three Years in Jail

By Hannah Ellis-Petersen and Shah Meer Baloch

PUBLISHED: Sat 5 Aug 2023 09.13 BST | UPDATED: Sat 5 Aug 2023 11.17 BST

Islamabad – In a stunning turn of events, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to three years in jail and barred from politics for five years by a court in Islamabad. The verdict came as a result of corruption charges against Khan regarding the sale of state gifts. Khan, 70, was arrested at his home in Lahore following the court ruling.

The Toshakhana Case

The case against Khan, known as the Toshakhana case, revolves around his alleged illegal sale of valuable gifts given to him by heads of state, which were stored in the government’s official gift storage department, Toshakhana. Among the gifts was an antique watch given to Khan by the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman. The accused had denied the charges and claimed political victimization. However, the court found Khan guilty of submitting fake details of the gifts and engaging in corruption.

Denial of a Fair Trial?

Khan’s lawyer, Intezar Hussain Panjutha, expressed intent to appeal the ruling, arguing that his client was not given a fair trial. He claimed that Khan was not allowed to present witnesses or provide his side of the story. In response, Information Minister Marriyam Aurangzaib refuted the claims, stating that Khan had been given a free and fair trial, despite his limited appearance in court.

Implications for Khan’s Political Career

This verdict and subsequent arrest deal a heavy blow to Khan’s political ambitions. Previously, he had enjoyed popularity as a populist leader and was elected as Prime Minister in 2018 with the backing of the military. However, after losing their support, he was removed from power last year. The current arrest is the second in three months for Khan, who has accused the military of orchestrating a campaign against him.

The timing of this ruling is crucial, as Pakistan is scheduled to hold general elections in October or November. With Khan now disqualified from politics, questions are being raised about the fairness of these elections. Zahid Hussain, a political analyst, maintains that Khan remains the most popular leader in Pakistan, and his disqualification could cast a shadow over the upcoming polls.

A Troubled Relationship with the Military

Imran Khan’s relationship with Pakistan’s military has been strained for some time now. He has accused the military establishment, particularly its leader Gen Asim Munir, of harboring a personal grudge against him. Khan claims that attempts to dismantle his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, are a ploy to prevent him from running in the next election.

A Reflection of Pakistan’s Political Past

This latest development places Imran Khan among a list of former prime ministers who have been imprisoned while attempting to challenge the power of the Pakistani military. It reinforces the notion that Pakistan’s democracy is still not fully matured, as the conviction and disqualification of a popular leader raises concerns about the state of transparency and fairness in Pakistan’s electoral process.

Advice for Supporters

Khan, in a pre-arrest video message released on Twitter, called on his party members and followers to continue peaceful protests. He urged them not to hide in their homes and emphasized that the movement was not just for him, but for the future of their children. In light of his appeal, it is important for Khan’s supporters to evaluate the situation and determine their best course of action. While peaceful protests can be effective in expressing dissatisfaction with the verdict, it is crucial for supporters to respect the law and avoid any form of violence.

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