Imran Khan, Pakistan’s ex-PM, arrested and sentenced in Toshakhana corruption case

In a shocking turn of events, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has been sentenced to three years in prison and disqualified from politics for five years. The conviction is linked to the Toshakhana corruption case, where Khan was found guilty of illegally selling state gifts. The verdict has serious implications for his political future and may hinder his chances of participating in the upcoming national elections.

The trial court’s verdict was delivered by Judge Humayun Dilawar, who announced that Khan’s involvement in corrupt practices had been proven. As a consequence, the court ordered his immediate arrest. Despite the legal proceedings, Imran Khan was not present in court during the hearing. In addition to the prison sentence and political disqualification, he has been fined Rs100,000.

The Toshakhana case revolves around allegations that Khan concealed details of state gifts received during his tenure as Prime Minister. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) filed a criminal complaint against him, leading to his indictment on May 10. The case has been a contentious issue in national politics, culminating in Khan’s disqualification in October 2022 due to “false statements and incorrect declarations.”

The Toshakhana, a department under the Cabinet division, stores gifts presented to rulers and government officials by foreign dignitaries. Imran Khan faced allegations of purchasing some of these gifts, including a valuable watch, and subsequently selling them for profit, leading to the corruption charges.

The verdict came shortly after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) overturned a session court’s decision to maintain the Toshakhana case for criminal proceedings against Khan. This conviction has further complicated his political future, as it could significantly limit his eligibility to participate in the upcoming national elections, which must take place before early November.

Reacting to the verdict, Imran Khan’s party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), denounced it as biased and vowed to challenge it in a higher court. The PTI spokesperson accused Judge Humayun Dilawar of conducting the trial in an absurd and unfair manner, branding the verdict as an attempt to undermine justice.

The political fallout from Imran Khan’s conviction remains uncertain, as his supporters rally behind him, while critics argue for accountability in governance. As the nation braces for the legal battle that is likely to follow, the political landscape of Pakistan hangs in the balance, with implications that could shape the country’s future direction.