A Pakistani court on Friday handed down jail sentences to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in a high-profile corruption case. Khan received a 14-year sentence, while his wife was sentenced to seven years, according to court officials and his legal team.

Key Allegations

The charges revolve around accusations that Khan and his wife accepted land as a bribe from real estate tycoon Malik Riaz during Khan’s tenure as Prime Minister. Prosecutors allege that:

• The land was offered in exchange for laundering 190 million British pounds ($240 million) returned to Pakistan by British authorities in 2022.
• Instead of depositing the funds in the national treasury, the money was allegedly used to pay fines imposed on Riaz in another case.

Khan Denies Wrongdoing

Since his arrest in 2023, Khan has maintained his innocence, dismissing the charges as politically motivated. He claims his rivals orchestrated the allegations to prevent his return to power.

Background of Convictions

This verdict adds to a series of legal challenges faced by Khan since his ouster in April 2022 through a no-confidence vote in parliament. Prior to this, he had been convicted in three separate cases involving:

• Corruption.
• Disclosure of state secrets.
• Violations of marriage laws.

Under Pakistani law, the sentences are served concurrently, meaning Khan will serve the longest of the sentences imposed, which totals 14 years.

Ongoing Political Turmoil

The case highlights the escalating political tension in Pakistan, as Khan’s supporters see the legal actions as part of a broader crackdown on dissent.

This story is still developing, with reactions from political factions and international observers expected in the coming days.

Source

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