Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, has been sentenced to three years in prison by a Pakistani trial court for illegally selling state gifts worth more than 140 million Pakistani rupees ($635,000). The 70-year-old cricketer-turned-politician was accused of misusing his position from 2018 to 2022 to buy and sell gifts that were received during visits abroad.
Judge Humayun Dilawar announced the conviction, stating that involvement in corrupt practices had been proven. Khan’s lawyer, Intezar Panjotha, confirmed the arrest and revealed that a petition against the decision has been filed in the high court. Legal experts believe that this conviction could end Khan’s chances of participating in the upcoming national elections scheduled before early November.
The former Prime Minister has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the charges are politically motivated. His arrest and detention in 9th May over a separate case had previously sparked intense political turmoil and deadly clashes between Khan’s supporters and police. As of now, there have been no reports of emerging protests in any of the major cities following Saturday’s arrest.
