Pakistan's court sentences Imran Khan to 14 years and Bushra Bibi to 7 years in Al-Qadir Trust case, also imposing financial penalties.
Pakistan News: Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after being found guilty in a land corruption case. The case is linked to £190 million in alleged corruption related to the Al-Qadir Trust. The court also sentenced Imran's wife, Bushra Bibi, to 7 years in prison. Additionally, Imran was fined 1 million and Bushra Bibi 500,000. Failure to pay the fine could result in an additional six months imprisonment.
Temporary Court Established in Jail
The verdict was delivered by Anti-Corruption Court Judge Nasir Jawed Rana. A temporary court was set up inside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi for this purpose. Tight security measures were in place both inside and outside the jail during the announcement of the sentence. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed the case against Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and five others in December 2023.
Significant Loss to the National Treasury
NAB alleged that Imran Khan and other accused caused a loss of £190 million to the national treasury. However, due to other accused being outside the country, the trial proceeded only against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's Protest
Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), bly opposed the verdict. The PTI claims that all charges are politically motivated and Imran Khan is being deliberately targeted.
Delays in Verdict and Other Cases
Verdict Delayed Several Times
The court's decision in the Al-Qadir Trust case was initially scheduled for December 23, 2023. However, due to the winter break, it was postponed to January 6. Subsequently, due to Judge Nasir Jawed Rana's leave, the date was further extended to January 13. Finally, the verdict was announced on January 17.
Imran Khan Already Imprisoned
Imran Khan was arrested in August 2023 in several other cases. These include Toshakhana and other corruption-related cases. He was acquitted in some cases, but the hearings in the Al-Qadir Trust and Toshakhana cases continued.
Politically Motivated Allegations
Imran Khan and his party have described all these allegations as politically motivated. The PTI claims that the government is attempting to imprison him due to his rising popularity.
