Imran Khan jailed for 14 years in state gifts case

Former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister, Imran Khan, along with his wife Bushra Bibi, has been handed a 14-year prison sentence in the Toshakhana reference case on Wednesday.

This case revolves around the alleged sale of gifts received during his tenure as Prime Minister without declaring the proceeds for tax purposes. Imran Khan has also been fined PKR 787 million (approximately US $2.9 million). Additionally, his political ban, initially for five years, has now been extended to ten years.

This verdict comes on the heels of Imran Khan's previous ten-year jail term in a separate case, where he was accused of leaking state secrets. His current 14-year sentence will run concurrently with the ten-year term, as per Pakistani legal norms.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), the political party founded and led by Imran Khan, denounced the trial proceedings as a blatant disregard for the law, labeling it a "sham trial."

Imran Khan's legal woes have intensified since his ousting as Prime Minister following a no-confidence vote in April 2022. Over a hundred cases have been filed against him, and this marks the first time his wife Bushra Bibi has been sentenced to prison.

Despite legal and political setbacks, Imran Khan remains a popular figure in Pakistan, as indicated by recent independent polls. However, neither he nor his party will be able to contest the upcoming elections.

The International Human Rights Federation has condemned Imran Khan's sentencing, citing violations of basic principles of justice and due process. They particularly highlighted the denial of access to chosen counsel as a grave violation of international law.