Imran Khan, his wife sentenced to 14 and 7 years in prison for corruption

A Pakistani court on Friday sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 14 and seven years in prison respectively for corruption, officials and Khan's lawyer confirmed. This decision marks another significant setback for Khan, who has been imprisoned since 2023.

Newsweek has contacted the Pakistani government for comment via email.

Why it matters

The verdict highlights the ongoing political unrest in Pakistan, with Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying the charges are politically motivated. The case highlights ongoing accusations of corruption among the country's leaders, as well as tensions between the government and opposition forces. As Khan's supporters rally for his release and denounce electoral errors, the move could exacerbate political unrest in Pakistan.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, right, and his wife Bushra Bibi, are seen in Lahore, Pakistan, July 17, 2023. A Pakistani court on Friday sentenced Khan and his wife to 14 years and seven years. Imran Khan, right, and his wife Bushra Bibi, are seen in Lahore, Pakistan, July 17, 2023. A Pakistani court on Friday sentenced Khan and his wife to 14 and 7 years, respectively. prison after finding them guilty of corruption. More from KM Chaudary/AP Photo What you need to know

Former cricket star Khan and his wife were found guilty of accepting land from real estate tycoon Malik Riaz in exchange for laundering $240 million. Prosecutors alleged the funds were initially returned to Pakistan by British authorities in 2022 for deposit into the national treasury, but were misused. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the evidence against Khan was “irrefutable” and accused him of hiding the transactions from his office.

Political and legal context

Imran Khan, ousted from office in a vote of no confidence in 2022, has faced a series of legal battles. Previous convictions include charges of corruption, revealing state secrets and violating marriage laws, with sentences ranging from seven to 14 years. Under Pakistani law, the sentences are concurrent, meaning he will serve the longest sentence, currently 14 years.

Protests and PTI response

After the verdict, PTI leaders and supporters protested outside parliament in Islamabad, saying the charges were fabricated to prevent Khan from returning to power. Senior PTI leader Omar Ayub Khan called the case “false” and vowed to appeal the decision. Protesters also gathered outside Adiala Prison in Rawalpindi, chanting for Khan's release.

Impact on Bushra Bibi

Bibi, previously imprisoned in another corruption case, was detained again after the verdict was announced on Friday. Before her conviction, she led a rally demanding the release of her husband, highlighting his role in the PTI's ongoing resistance to the ruling government.

Security officers stand near a vehicle used by Bushra Bibi in Rawalpindi, Pakistan January 17, 2025. Bibi, previously jailed in another corruption case, was rearrested on Friday. Security officers stand near a vehicle used by Bushra Bibi in Rawalpindi, Pakistan January 17, 2025. Bibi, previously jailed in another corruption case, was taken into custody again on Friday. WK Yousufzai/AP Photo What people are saying

Omar Ayub Khan, senior PTI leader: “This is a false case, and we will approach an appeal court against this decision.”

Attaullah Tarar, Pakistan's information minister, told reporters there was “irrefutable evidence” against Khan and his wife in the “mega-corruption scandal.”

What happens next

The PTI plans to challenge the court's decision, as Khan's incarceration continues to fuel protests and political unrest. The resolution of this appeal and its potential impact on Pakistan's volatile political landscape will be closely monitored.

This article includes reporting from the Associated Press

What Are The Main Benefits Of Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2020, / Compare-autoinsurance.Org has launched a new blog post that presents the main benefits of comparing multiple car insurance quotes. For more info and free online quotes, please visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/the-advantages-of-comparing-prices-with-car-insurance-quotes-online/ The modern society has numerous technological advantages. One important advantage is the speed at which information is sent and received. With the help of the internet, the shopping habits of many persons have drastically changed. The car insurance industry hasn't remained untouched by these changes. On the internet, drivers can compare insurance prices and find out which sellers have the best offers. View photos The advantages of comparing online car insurance quotes are the following: Online quotes can be obtained from anywhere and at any time. Unlike physical insurance agencies, websites don't have a specific schedule and they are available at any time. Drivers that have busy working schedules, can compare quotes from anywhere and at any time, even at midnight. Multiple choices. Almost all insurance providers, no matter if they are well-known brands or just local insurers, have an online presence. Online quotes will allow policyholders the chance to discover multiple insurance companies and check their prices. Drivers are no longer required to get quotes from just a few known insurance companies. Also, local and regional insurers can provide lower insurance rates for the same services. Accurate insurance estimates. Online quotes can only be accurate if the customers provide accurate and real info about their car models and driving history. Lying about past driving incidents can make the price estimates to be lower, but when dealing with an insurance company lying to them is useless. Usually, insurance companies will do research about a potential customer before granting him coverage. Online quotes can be sorted easily. Although drivers are recommended to not choose a policy just based on its price, drivers can easily sort quotes by insurance price. Using brokerage websites will allow drivers to get quotes from multiple insurers, thus making the comparison faster and easier. For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ Compare-autoinsurance.Org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. "Online quotes can easily help drivers obtain better car insurance deals. All they have to do is to complete an online form with accurate and real info, then compare prices", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. CONTACT: Company Name: Internet Marketing CompanyPerson for contact Name: Gurgu CPhone Number: (818) 359-3898Email: [email protected]: https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ SOURCE: Compare-autoinsurance.Org View source version on accesswire.Com:https://www.Accesswire.Com/595055/What-Are-The-Main-Benefits-Of-Comparing-Car-Insurance-Quotes-Online View photos