A major development unfolded in Pakistan on Saturday as an accountability court delivered a significant verdict against the country's former prime minister. The court sentenced incarcerated leader Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years of imprisonment each in the high-profile Toshakhana 2 corruption case.
Court Delivers Verdict in High-Security Jail
The judgment was pronounced by Special Court Judge Shahrukh Arjumand. The proceedings took place within the confines of the high-security Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where Imran Khan is currently held. This case centers on allegations of fraudulent dealings related to state gifts that the former first couple reportedly received from the Saudi government back in 2021.
Breakdown of the Sentence and Financial Penalty
The detailed court order outlines a composite sentence for the convicts. The judge awarded 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deals with criminal breach of trust. An additional seven-year prison term was imposed under different provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Beyond the prison sentences, the court also levied a substantial financial penalty. Both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi have been ordered to pay a fine of Rs 10 million each, adding a significant monetary repercussion to their legal troubles.
Mounting Legal Challenges for the Former PM
This verdict marks another severe legal setback for the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The Toshakhana 2 case is one of several legal battles he is fighting. The conviction adds to the complex political and judicial landscape in Pakistan, drawing intense national and international scrutiny. The sentencing is likely to have profound implications for the country's political dynamics and the future of its major opposition figure.
