Imran Khan Corruption Case: Court Verdict and Key Details
Imran Khan corruption case has taken a dramatic turn after a Pakistani court sentenced former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison over the state gifts reference.
The verdict, announced on Saturday at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, concludes a prolonged legal case that has remained at the centre of Pakistan’s political debate for years. Both Khan and Bushra Bibi have strongly denied the allegations, maintaining their innocence throughout the proceedings.
The Imran Khan corruption case has once again brought Pakistan’s political and judicial system under intense public scrutiny.
Court Ruling and Allegations
According to the prosecution, the former prime minister and his wife violated Pakistan’s laws governing gifts received by public office holders. Under existing regulations, officials are required to purchase such gifts at market value if they wish to retain them and must also declare any profits earned from their sale.
Investigators alleged that the couple acquired luxury gifts — reportedly including jewellery presented by the Saudi government — at a heavily undervalued price of around $10,000, despite the items being worth approximately $285,000 in the open market. The court accepted the prosecution’s position that the difference amounted to unlawful financial gain.
Reaction from PTI and Supporters
The ruling sparked immediate backlash from supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who described the case as politically motivated. Khan’s spokesperson, Zulfikar Bukhari, criticised the judgment, arguing that criminal liability was imposed without clear evidence of intent or personal gain.
PTI also released a statement calling the trial a “sham” and labelled the verdict a “dark chapter” in the country’s judicial history. The party claimed that while Imran Khan was present during the announcement of the decision, his family members were barred from attending the proceedings.
Legal experts say the Imran Khan corruption case could have long-term implications for accountability laws in Pakistan.
Government Response
Pakistan’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, rejected claims of political interference. He stated that the court reached its decision after examining substantial documentary evidence and insisted that the judicial process had been fair and transparent.
“The convictions were based on solid proof,” Tarar said, adding that the ruling demonstrated accountability under the law.
Background: Khan’s Political Journey
Imran Khan, now 73, served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 to 2022 before being removed through a no-confidence vote in parliament. Since his removal, he has faced multiple legal cases, including charges related to corruption and the alleged disclosure of state secrets.
While Khan has been acquitted in some cases, he has repeatedly claimed that the legal actions against him are politically driven. He has accused his rivals, along with Pakistan’s powerful military establishment, of orchestrating his removal from office — allegations consistently denied by the government, the military, and international actors.
Divided Legal Opinions
Khan’s sister, Aleema Khanum, criticised the ruling in a media interview, describing the case as fabricated and aimed at excluding her brother from political life. She alleged that both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi have been subjected to harsh detention conditions.
However, legal experts remain divided. Tania Bazai, a senior high court advocate, dismissed claims that the prosecution lacked evidence. She stated that key witnesses, including Khan’s former principal and military secretaries, presented documented proof that supported the court’s decision.
Political Impact
Despite his imprisonment, Imran Khan remains one of Pakistan’s most popular political figures. A former international cricket star, his detention has triggered repeated protests across the country, highlighting deep political divisions that continue to shape Pakistan’s future.
Supporters argue that the Imran Khan corruption case is politically motivated, while the government maintains the verdict is evidence-based.
According to Pakistan’s accountability laws, officials are required to declare and purchase state gifts at market value, as outlined by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
The case continues to draw national and international attention as political tensions remain high in Pakistan. Analysts believe the verdict will have long-term implications for the country’s political stability, public trust in the judiciary, and the future of Imran Khan’s political movement.
1. Why was Imran Khan sentenced in the corruption case?
Imran Khan was sentenced in the corruption case related to state gifts, where the court ruled that gifts received during his tenure were retained and sold in violation of Pakistani law. Prosecutors claimed the items were purchased below market value and later sold for profit, which the court found unlawful.
