IMRAN Khan, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, has been handed a 14-year prison sentence for corruption, just a day after receiving a 10-year sentence.
Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau sentenced Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, for illegally selling state gifts during his 2018 to 2022 tenure.
Khan is already in jail since August last year due to various charges.
He has also been barred from holding office for 10 years.
Meanwhile, His wife, Bushra Bibi, was taken into police custody after the sentencing.
This marks the second legal setback for Khan within a week, following a 10-year sentence for leaking state secrets.
Both sentences will be served concurrently.
The timing of these verdicts, just one week before the February 8 general election, has raised concerns about the credibility of the upcoming polls. Analysts attribute the skepticism to the military’s crackdown on Khan and his aides.
Despite the legal challenges, Khan maintains popularity among Pakistan’s youth, seen as a departure from traditional political dynasties and military rule.
His ousting in April 2022 led to a prolonged standoff with the military, which Khan accused of orchestrating his removal—an allegation the military denies.
The military’s crackdown includes restrictions on the Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf or PTI party, such as the prohibition of their cricket bat symbol on ballots and a ban on airing Khan’s speeches on TV stations.
The PTI condemned Wednesday’s sentencing, calling it a “ridiculous decision” that will be challenged.
Khan, who previously faced a three-year prison term and a five-year ban from office, asserts that the charges against him are politically motivated, but authorities deny this claims.
