Islamabad, Pakistan – Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to 14 years in prison following a high-profile trial that has gripped the nation. The verdict, handed down by a special court on Thursday, stems from allegations of corruption and misuse of office during his tenure as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022.
The court found Khan guilty of diverting public funds for personal gain, a charge he has consistently denied, describing it as a politically motivated attempt to sideline him from Pakistan’s political arena. His legal team has announced plans to appeal the decision, citing procedural irregularities and insufficient evidence.
Khan’s imprisonment marks a dramatic turn of events for the former cricketing legend turned politician, who led the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party to power on promises of transparency and reform. His sentencing has ignited protests among his supporters, with demonstrations reported in major cities including Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
The ruling also raises questions about the country’s political stability, as Pakistan has faced a series of challenges, including economic turmoil and a deteriorating security situation. International observers are closely monitoring the situation, given its potential implications for regional politics and governance in the South Asian nation.
Khan, who remains a polarizing figure in Pakistani politics, is expected to appeal his sentence to the country’s Supreme Court in the coming weeks.
