Pakistani Court Hands 17-Year Jail Term To Imran Khan And Bushra Bibi

On Saturday, a special court under the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail sentenced Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, along with his wife Bushra Bibi, to 17 years in prison.

The Saudi crown prince gifted an expensive jewellery set to Imran during an official visit in May 2021, and he reportedly purchased it at a nominal price.

Under the ruling, Imran Khan will serve a total of 17 years, including 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and seven years under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Similarly, Bushra Bibi received an identical sentence under the same legal provisions.

Additionally, the court fined both Rs 16.4 million, and failure to pay will result in further imprisonment.

While issuing the sentences, the court reportedly considered Imran Khan’s senior age and Bushra Bibi’s gender, applying leniency in awarding comparatively reduced punishment.

Pakistani leading daily Dawn reported, quoting the court order, “This court, while passing sentences, has considered the old age of Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi, as well as the fact that Bushra Imran Khan is a female. It is in consideration of both said factors that a lenient view has been taken in awarding lesser punishment.”

Defence to Challenge Verdict

Following the ruling, legal representatives of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi stated they would challenge the verdict in the high court.

The couple has consistently denied any wrongdoing and asserted that authorities fabricated the case and motivated it politically to weaken Imran Khan’s political influence.

During proceedings, Imran rejected the prosecution’s claims, describing the case as ‘malicious, fabricated, and politically engineered’.

He maintained that he did not qualify as a ‘public servant’ under the Pakistan Penal Code in the context of the gift and claimed he was unaware of the jewellery’s specific details during his tenure.

Furthermore, Imran Khan reported the gift to the Prime Minister’s Office protocol section, had it properly assessed, and legally retained it after paying the national exchequer.

He asserted that he followed the Toshakhana Policy in letter and spirit and completed all legal procedures under the 2018 policy.

Authorities formally indicted the couple in December last year, and they denied all charges in October, emphasising the political nature of the case.

With the appeal process pending, the verdict is likely to fuel further debates on political accountability and judicial procedures in Pakistan, especially concerning high-profile leaders.

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