Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Sale of State Gifts

A trial court in Pakistan has sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan to three years in prison for the illegal sale of state gifts, as reported by local media channels on Saturday.

Judge Humayun Dilawar pronounced Khan guilty of involvement in corrupt practices during his tenure as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022. The charges revolve around the misuse of his premiership to buy and sell state gifts received during official visits abroad, with a total value exceeding 140 million Pakistani rupees ($635,000).

Despite not being present in court for the hearing, Reuters news agency confirmed that Imran Khan’s lawyer stated that the former Prime Minister had been arrested in Lahore.

The 70-year-old cricketer-turned-politician has faced over 150 cases against him since being ousted in April the previous year. Khan has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the charges are politically motivated.

Legal experts speculate that a conviction in this case could significantly impact Khan’s chances of participating in the upcoming national elections, scheduled before early November. His political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has already lodged an appeal with the country’s Supreme Court.

In response to the court ruling, a member of Khan’s legal team expressed concern over the lack of opportunity to present witnesses and insufficient time to formulate arguments during the proceedings.