Former PM of Pakistan, Imran Khan, sentenced to 14 years

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was handed a 14-year prison sentence by a local court in a land corruption case related to the Al-Qadir Trust on Friday

On January 17, 2025, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, was sentenced to 14 years in prison by an accountability court in Rawalpindi. His wife, Bushra Bibi , received a seven-year sentence in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust case, which involves serious allegations of corruption and misuse of authority during Khan’s tenure from 2018 to 2022.

Details of the Case

The Al-Qadir Trust case centers around allegations that Khan and his wife accepted land as a kickback from a property developer, Malik Riaz, in exchange for illegal favors. Specifically, it is alleged that they misappropriated funds linked to a £190 million settlement between Riaz and the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA).

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This settlement involved assets seized from Riaz and was meant for the Pakistani government. The prosecution claims that Khan approved this settlement without proper disclosure, leading to significant financial misconduct.

Both Khan and Bushra Bibi pleaded not guilty to the charges, asserting that the case is politically motivated. They argue that the land in question was intended for the establishment of an educational institution under the Al-Qadir Trust and not for personal gain.
Their legal team has criticized the prosecution’s inability to prove any financial loss to the state or establish a direct link between the trust and personal benefits for Khan or his family.

Court Proceedings

The verdict was delivered in a makeshift courtroom at Adiala Jail, where Khan has been held since August 2023. The court’s decision followed multiple postponements of the ruling, which had been delayed three times prior to January 17.

Alongside their prison sentences, both Khan and Bibi were fined—Khan was ordered to pay 1 million Pakistani rupees (approximately $3,500), while Bibi was fined 500,000 rupees (around $1,750). Failure to pay these fines would result in additional jail time.
Political Implications

This conviction marks a significant legal setback for Khan and his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). It is seen as part of a broader crackdown on Khan since he was ousted from office in 2022. His supporters have expressed outrage over what they describe as a politically motivated campaign against him. The PTI has also stated that they believe the charges lack a solid foundation and are likely to be overturned upon appeal.

Imran Khan’s sentencing is a important moment in Pakistan’s political scene, reflecting ongoing tensions between his party and current government authorities amidst allegations of corruption and political persecution.