Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to spend three years in jail
By Daily Tab24
Category: News
Published: Aug, 5, 2023
Time: 4:05 p.m
Barring appellate court or Supreme Court overturn, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will be permanently excluded from participating in Pakistan elections for five years, a feat that marks the end to months of bitter political struggles in the country – owing to the fact that the now jailed Prime Minister has been calling for elections and confident of being re-elected, of which he said the military is “afraid” of him winning.
From the Prime Minister of the country to a major opposition, after a vote of no confidence was passed on him in 2018, Imran Khan has often cut a dejected figure. He has been a target of failed arrests – courtesy of his supporters that have stood strong in sour times for the former Prime Minister.
There were no supporters to stop his arrest this time; when he was picked up from his home in Lahore, few minutes after the verdict that jailed him for three years. Unlike when he was a cricketer, life in politics is bitter and rough.
He seemed to had anticipated the verdict and kept a message for his supporters who could not stop the verdict of a competent court of jurisdiction. “I have only one appeal, don’t sit at home silently. I am struggling for you and the country and your children’s future” he said in a pre-recorded stamen posted on social media. The video was the last speech to his supporters who had shown extraordinary resolve to keep him out of prison until now.
The influence of the Pakistan military in the nation’s politics cannot be underestimated, and Imran Khan took it for granted and got kicked out in 2018. This time; the charges against him bordered on not declaring funds gotten from selling gifts his office attracted. Although he denied the charges, the judge in the case insisted his “dishonesty” was proven.
Many cases have been brought against the former Prime Minister, but the recent one got him into trouble – the gifted items reportedly worth in excess of 140m Pakistan rupees, including a ring and Rolex watches. While the voice of his supporters didn’t intimidate that of pro-government, the former Prime Minister was told by pro-government protesters “ your show is over”.
To avoid wasting time that could play into the hands of the Prime Minister’s supporters that often crowd in his home to forestall any arrest of him, fifteen minutes after the verdict, police had taken him away, as confirmed by videos posted online. Convoy of police cars and trucks were stationed in his home as he was being arrested.
“A kangaroo-type court” his lawyer said “the accused was never given the opportunity to defend himself” he added. A statement the government sees as the complaints of a loser. His lawyer further decried the sentence and hinted the former Prime Minister would appeal the judgment.
“AS a consequence of today’s conviction, he has been barred to take part in the politics for five years. But if the sentence is and the conviction is suspended as we are hoping by the superior courts, he will then be able to come back to politics” he said.
The former Prime Minister would be sent to a prison in Islamabad, Adyala jail, a central prison in the city of Rawalpindi. Pakistan will soon hold election and if the matter is not settled before the coming election; the former Prime Minister will not contest the election he was once sure of winning with a landslide. The military leadership would be licking their lips and will continue to fight to keep Imran Khan out of the ballot.
