Islamabad, Pakistan – Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has seen his three-year corruption sentence suspended by the Islamabad High Court. However, uncertainties linger regarding his release from detention as he faces multiple legal battles. The court has granted him bail until his appeal against the conviction is heard, yet another court order mandates his continued custody until Wednesday in a separate case.
Khan’s legal team asserts that over 100 charges have been filed against him since his removal from power last year, including allegations of leaking state secrets and orchestrating violent protests. Several arrest warrants have been issued in connection with these charges. Khan staunchly maintains that the charges are politically motivated.
While Khan’s lawyers seek a Supreme Court order to prevent his detention in any additional case, the date for hearing this petition remains undecided. The outcome of Tuesday’s proceedings in the High Court was awaited before the Supreme Court proceeded with its decision.
Gauhar Khan, one of Khan’s legal representatives, expressed optimism about his potential release, stating, “We are very hopeful he will be released.” Notably, no information has been provided to confirm his arrest under any other case.
The former international cricket star, turned politician, was sentenced to three years in prison on August 5th for failing to declare earnings from the sale of gifts he received during his tenure as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022. The gifts, reportedly valued at over 140 million Pakistani rupees ($635,000), included items like Rolex watches, a ring, and cuff links. This conviction led to his disqualification from contesting elections for a period of five years.
Presently, Khan remains incarcerated in Attock jail, a small facility in Punjab province, approximately 85 km (52 miles) from Islamabad. The current detention pertains to the so-called “cipher case,” which revolves around the alleged leaking of a diplomatic cable. Khan’s legal team contends that his conviction in this case occurred without adequate opportunity for his defense.
This development follows the dismissal of sedition charges against Khan by another high court, deeming the charges improperly filed. Authorities maintain that Khan’s arrest and disqualification from public office are unrelated to political motives, although some observers have raised concerns about potential political undertones.
The former Prime Minister’s arrest in May triggered protests across Pakistan, with supporters clashing with the police. Despite the ongoing legal battles, Khan remains a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape. The uncertainties surrounding his legal proceedings continue to capture public attention, particularly in the context of Pakistan’s complex political dynamics.
