Islamabad: Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, saw a glimmer of hope as he was acquitted of charges related to leaking state secrets on Monday, though he remains incarcerated due to other pending cases.
Khan, a 71-year-old former cricket icon, has been behind bars since August last year, entangled in a web of legal battles stemming from various controversies. Despite the recent acquittal, his legal journey is far from over, with several major cases keeping him detained.
Here’s a breakdown of the significant legal battles Khan faces:
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State Secrets Case:
Imran Khan faced a 10-year prison sentence for allegedly disclosing classified information, specifically a cable sent by Pakistan’s ambassador in Washington in 2022, commonly referred to as the cipher case. His conviction was overturned upon appeal by the Islamabad High Court, with Khan asserting the cable as evidence of a conspiracy involving the Pakistani military and the U.S. government against his administration in 2022.
Unlawful Marriage Case:
Khan and his wife, Bushra Khan (also known as Bushra Bibi), were handed seven-year jail terms by a trial court, deeming their 2018 marriage illegal. Their appeal is undergoing scrutiny, having been referred back to the Islamabad High Court due to objections raised by Bibi’s former husband regarding the impartiality of the presiding judge.
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State Gifts Cases:
In separate cases concerning the alleged illegal acquisition and sale of state gifts, Khan faced imprisonment terms of 14 years and three years, respectively. These cases, known as the Toshakhana or state treasury case, involve the purported sale of gifts exceeding 140 million rupees ($501,000) received during Khan’s premiership from 2018 to 2022. Notable items included diamond jewelry and several high-end watches, including six Rolexes.
Abetting Violence:
Imran Khan also faces charges under anti-terrorism laws related to violence against military and state installations following his brief arrest in May of the previous year. While some of Khan’s supporters have been convicted by military courts, Khan himself remains embroiled in the legal proceedings.
Despite the legal complexities and ongoing trials, Imran Khan’s political future hangs in the balance, with his incarceration serving as a stark reminder of the tumultuous terrain of Pakistani politics.
