Pakistan’s Imran Khan handed 14-year jail term in land graft case

On Friday, a Pakistani court imposed a 14-year prison sentence on ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan due to a land corruption case, hindering ongoing discussions between his party and the government meant to alleviate political unrest in the South Asian country.

The ruling in the matter was issued by an anti-corruption court located in a facility in the military city of Rawalpindi, where Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023. Khan’s spouse, Bushra Bibi, was likewise convicted and handed a seven-year prison term. According to Geo News, she had been released on bail but was arrested once the verdict was declared.

“The defendant Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi is thus found guilty of engaging in corruption and corrupt practices,” noted the comprehensive court ruling released by Khan’s political party, further stating that his spouse was also deemed guilty of “aiding, assisting and abetting” such corrupt activities. Omar Ayub, a confidant of Khan, mentioned that the party plans to appeal the decision in superior courts. Several government ministers praised the decision, stating it was rooted in evidence.

The ex-prime minister, 72, was charged with allegations that he and his spouse received land from a property developer while he was in office from 2018 to 2022 in return for unlawful benefits. Khan and Bibi had entered a plea of not guilty. The matter is associated with the Al-Qadir Trust, a charitable organization established by the couple during Khan’s tenure in office.

Prosecutors allege that the trust served as a cover for Khan to unlawfully obtain land from a property developer. They claimed he received 60 acres (24 hectares) adjacent to Islamabad and an additional sizable plot near his hilltop residence in the capital. The court additionally instructed that the land be seized, as per the comprehensive ruling.

Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party claims the land was not for individual benefit but for the spiritual and educational institution established by the former prime minister. A post from Khan’s social media account on platform X, referencing his message from prison, urged his followers to remain calm and referred to the conviction as a “joke.”

“I will remain in the jail cell for as long as necessary in the fight against this regime,” the post stated, adding “We will not enter into any agreements and will confront all unjust charges.” The announcement of the verdict was postponed three times, with the latest delay occurring on Monday, as reconciliation discussions took place between PTI and the government. The two parties have been in conflict since Khan was removed from power in 2022.

Analysts think the discussions might involve Khan and his party receiving legal relief in return for halting ongoing protests, particularly against what Khan refers to as last year’s fraudulent election. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar informed reporters that the ex-cricket star might also submit a mercy petition to the president of Pakistan.

The ruling marks the most significant blow for Khan and his party following an unexpectedly strong performance in the 2024 general election, where PTI’s candidates – required to run as independents – secured the highest number of seats but did not achieve the majority necessary to establish a government.