Imran Khan Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Corruption
Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to 14 years in prison following a ruling by an accountability court over corruption charges. Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were convicted of unlawfully acquiring valuable plots of land through a corrupt arrangement with a prominent property tycoon, Malik Riaz. In addition to the prison term, Khan was fined 1 million Pakistani rupees, while Bibi received a 7-year sentence.
The accountability court was specially convened at Adialia prison in Rawalpindi, where Khan has been held since his arrest in August 2023. Following the verdict, Bibi was taken into custody in the courtroom. Khan, who has previously described the charges against him as politically motivated, faces over 100 additional cases including murder and terrorism.
Khan, who served as Pakistan's Prime Minister from 2018 until 2022, asserts that the ongoing legal challenges are part of a "political witch hunt" designed to eliminate him from the political landscape. Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), condemned the court's decision as indicative of a compromised justice system, stating they intend to appeal the ruling. Supporters also protested against the verdict in various cities, including Peshawar.
Despite his legal adversities, Khan maintains his popularity among the public and has vowed to continue his fight for justice and democracy in Pakistan.
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