Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to 10 years in jail in a case involving the leaking of state secrets. This comes as he serves a three-year term for corruption after being ousted in 2022. Khan, who claims the charges are politically motivated, is barred from standing in the upcoming general elections.
The conviction under the secrets act adds complexity to the political landscape just a week before the elections. In a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Khan urged the public to “take revenge for every injustice with your vote on February 8 while remaining peaceful.”
Former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, also from Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, received a similar 10-year sentence. The cipher case revolves around leaked diplomatic correspondence during Khan’s tenure, revealing a foreign conspiracy against him.
Imran Khan, held in Adiala Jail since August, faces serious charges of leaking a classified document and damaging diplomatic relations, which could lead to severe penalties. The trial proceedings, held in a special court, have been criticized for lack of transparency.
Challenging the ruling, a PTI spokesman called it illegal, emphasizing they do not accept this decision. The sentencing has intensified tensions, leading to an explosion at a political rally in Balochistan province, resulting in casualties.
The upcoming election on February 8 is marred by allegations of unfair campaigning opportunities for PTI. Critics question the credibility of the vote, considering the sidelining of Imran Khan and his party, while the favored contender appears to be three-time former PM Nawaz Sharif.
As the political dynamics shift, Sharif, once jailed for corruption, is now perceived to be favored by the establishment. Meanwhile, Imran Khan, formerly close to the military, has fallen out of favor, raising uncertainties about the future political landscape in Pakistan.
