Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, has been arrested by the police in Lahore after a court sentenced him to three years in prison for illegally selling state gifts. The 70-year-old cricketer-turned-politician was accused of misusing his position as prime minister from 2018 to 2022 to buy and sell precious gifts received during official visits abroad, which amounted to over 140 million Pakistani rupees ($635,000).
Judge Humayun Dilawar declared Khan’s involvement in corrupt practices, leading to his conviction. The verdict also imposed a 100,000 rupees fine ($355), failure to pay which could result in an additional six months of imprisonment. Khan’s lawyer, Intezar Panjotha, stated that they would file a petition against the decision in the high court.
Before his arrest, Khan made a video appeal on social media, urging his supporters to take to the streets in protest. He emphasized that his struggle was not only for his own sake but for the nation’s future and the welfare of its children.
Khan’s arrest comes after his detention for several days in May, which sparked widespread political unrest and clashes between his supporters and the police. However, there have been no immediate reports of protests following his latest arrest. His residence has been cordoned off, and security forces are patrolling the area.
According to protocol, prime ministers are required to safeguard state-owned gifts in a secure location. Khan stands accused of selling these gifts for personal gain, with the collection including items such as watches, perfumes, diamond jewelry, and dinner sets.
Babar Awan, a member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and a member of Khan’s legal team, criticized the ruling, describing it as a ridiculous verdict by a sham court. Awan insisted that Khan was not given a fair trial, and they intended to appeal the decision in the high court, hoping for a suspension of the verdict and Khan’s early release.
Khan was not present during the court hearing. Since his ousting in April last year, he has faced over 150 cases against him. Khan vehemently denies all charges, dismissing them as politically motivated.
It is worth noting that under Pakistani law, trials in absentia are not permissible in Khan’s case. Awan is confident that there is a high likelihood of the verdict being suspended and Khan being released following their appeal to the high court.
In response to the ruling, senior PTI leader Asad Umar expressed his dissatisfaction on social media, stating that today’s decision did not uphold the principles of law and justice. He believes that the verdict will not hold in the Supreme Court and suggests that meaningful decisions regarding politicians are made by the people, not in the courts.
Overall, the arrest of Imran Khan has garnered significant attention in Pakistan. As the former prime minister and a prominent figure in the country, his legal battles and potential disqualification from participating in future national elections could have far-reaching consequences. The public remains divided on the issue, with some supporting Khan and viewing the charges as politically motivated, while others believe in the necessity of upholding accountability and fighting against corruption in the country’s leadership.
