Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to 14 years in prison in a corruption case, marking another major blow to the embattled leader who has already spent over 18 months in jail and faces over 100 cases. His wife, Bushra Bibi, was also convicted in the case and sentenced to seven years in prison.

The charges stem from allegations that Khan and Bibi illegally acquired valuable plots of land worth billions of rupees through a corrupt deal with Malik Riaz, one of Pakistan’s wealthiest property tycoons. The accountability court also fined Khan 1 million Pakistani rupees (£2,900).

The trial was conducted inside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where Khan has been detained since his arrest in August 2023. Bushra Bibi was taken into custody immediately after the verdict.

Political Witch Hunt Allegations

Imran Khan, Pakistan’s most popular political figure, has consistently denied the allegations, calling them a “political witch hunt” aimed at keeping him out of power. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), governed from 2018 to 2022 before Khan was ousted after losing military support. Since then, he has clashed publicly with Pakistan’s powerful military, accusing them of orchestrating an assassination plot against him.

Khan’s party condemned the ruling, calling it a “black day” for Pakistan’s judicial independence. Zulfi Bukhari, a PTI spokesperson, criticized the judge’s credibility and vowed to appeal the verdict in higher courts. “This is an example of undeclared martial law,” said Bukhari. “Imran Khan remains strong and determined to fight for justice, democracy, and the rule of law.”

The Case Details

The charges against Khan and Bibi involved an alleged quid pro quo arrangement with Malik Riaz. According to prosecutors, Riaz provided lucrative land for a university project in exchange for assistance in laundering $239 million (£195 million). Khan has dismissed the case as “bogus.”

Khan’s Defiant Stance

Despite reports of senior PTI members meeting military officials, Khan rejected the possibility of striking a deal for his release. Standing outside the court, he declared, “I will neither make any deal nor seek any relief. Those who stand against dictatorship are punished.”

The case is part of a long list of legal battles Khan faces, including charges of terrorism, murder, and breaching national security. While previous convictions have been overturned or suspended, the latest ruling adds to the growing challenges for the former prime minister as he remains steadfast in his fight against what he calls an “unjust system.”