Imran Khan's graft verdict suspended due to 'lack of evidence'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
2 Apr 2024 11:05
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Imran Khan's lawyer revealed that the former PM and his wife's 14-year jail sentences have been suspended as per court orders.

Imran Khan is pictured at a lawyers' convention in Lahore on September 21, 2022. (AFP)

A Pakistani court granted convicted former prime minister Imran Khan permission to appeal against the court's graft decision, a political corruption for personal gain charge, and suspended his 14-year sentence, his lawyer said, as reported by Reuters.

Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 14 years in jail in the Toshakhana case. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed a new reference against them, accusing them of "retaining a jewelry set received from the Saudi Crown Prince at an undervalued assessment."

The verdict, delivered just eight days before the February 8 general elections, adds to the challenges facing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party amid a state crackdown and the absence of an electoral symbol. This comes just one day following another sentencing of Imran Khan and former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to 10 years in prison for allegedly "disclosing state secrets".

Barrister Ali Zafar, Khan's lawyer, revealed that the 14-year sentences would remain suspended until a conviction is effectuated, as per the Islamabad High Court. Speaking to reporters, Zafar said the reason for the suspension was the lack of evidence that backed the sentences, rendering them unfounded.

Precedents

Previously, the Islamabad High Court temporarily halted the recent conviction of Imran Khan on corruption charges, according to his lawyer Naeem Panjutha. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain whether this development will lead to his immediate release from incarceration.

This came shortly after a Pakistani court invalidated a sedition case against Khan, providing him some respite.

Nonetheless, regardless of the suspension, Imran Khan is set to remain jailed for other convictions.

Imran Khan, removed through a no-confidence vote in April 2022, is currently serving a three-year prison term in an alleged corruption case.

Despite being deemed "ineligible" for the February election, Khan retained significant political influence due to his widespread support and anti-establishment stance. He affirms that the legal proceedings against him were a scheme to sideline him before the vote.