Imran Khan sentenced to three years in prison, arrested
Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to three years in prison and subsequently arrested by the authorities in Lahore. The court found him guilty of illegally selling state gifts during his tenure as prime minister from 2018 to 2022.
The charges against the 70-year-old, who transitioned from a renowned cricketer to a prominent politician, revolved around the inappropriate handling of state-received gifts from foreign visits. These gifts held a combined value exceeding 140 million Pakistani rupees ($497,500).
Judge Humayun Dilawar, presiding over the case, emphasized the unequivocal nature of Khan's dishonest actions. The ruling stated that he intentionally and deliberately concealed the benefits he gained from the national treasury, engaging in corrupt practices.
In addition to the prison sentence, Khan has been ordered to pay a fine of 100,000 rupees ($355). Failure to settle this fine could lead to an extended jail term of six months.
Following the court's decision, Khan's lawyer, Intezar Panjotha, confirmed that the former prime minister was apprehended at his residence in Lahore. Reports from Pakistani media outlined a scene where police surrounded Khan's home following the announcement of the verdict.
In a video message posted on X, previously known as Twitter, just prior to his arrest, Imran Khan urged his supporters to take a stand and protest against the verdict.
Khan passionately conveyed, "I implore you with a single request: Do not remain silent within the confines of your homes. The struggle I am engaged in transcends my personal interests; it pertains to the well-being of our nation, of each one of you, and the prosperity of your children."
He added a sobering perspective, stating, 'If you don’t stand up for your rights, you will live lives of slaves and slaves don’t have a life.'
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