In the latest twist of a gripping political saga, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan has lodged an appeal against his recent conviction and three-year sentence in a corruption case, his lawyer confirmed on Tuesday.
This development adds a new layer of intrigue to the ongoing political theatre surrounding the charismatic former cricket star and prominent opposition leader. As Pakistan gears up for upcoming parliamentary elections, the 70-year-old Khan, who was removed from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022, finds himself at the centre of a legal battle. His arrest over the weekend and subsequent conviction were related to allegations of concealing assets, specifically the sale of state gifts he received during his tenure.
Khan adamantly refutes the charges, asserting that he did not violate any legal statutes.
Naeem Haider Panjutha, Khan’s legal representative, announced that the Islamabad High Court is set to consider the appeal on Wednesday. Panjutha had met with Khan at the highly secure Attock prison in eastern Punjab province on Monday.
Addressing reporters after submitting the appeal in Islamabad, Panjutha contended that Khan’s conviction should be deemed “unlawful and devoid of legitimate authority.” He also urged the court to exonerate Khan, arguing that his arrest had been carried out in violation of proper legal procedures.
Simultaneously, Khan’s defence team is seeking improved prison conditions for the former prime minister, as conveyed by Panjutha.
Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, along with its detractors, asserts that the former premier is falling victim to political vendettas orchestrated by his successor, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif—an allegation categorically refuted by the government.
Shehbaz Sharif has confirmed his intention to step down on Wednesday, marking the culmination of the current parliamentary term and paving the way for anticipated parliamentary elections in October or November.
Addressing a gathering of families of fallen soldiers and members of the country’s security forces on Tuesday, Sharif praised their sacrifices for the nation, lauding their commitment.
As per Pakistan’s constitutional norms, once Sharif relinquishes his post and the parliament dissolves, a caretaker administration assumes responsibility for day-to-day governance, shepherding the nation through the transitional period to the next election.
Sharif’s ruling Pakistan Muslim League is bracing for stiff competition from Khan’s party, although Khan’s personal involvement in the electoral contest hinges on the outcome of his appeal and potential release from custody.
Adding a new layer of complexity, Pakistan’s Election Commission has barred Khan from contesting elections for the next five years based on his conviction and sentence. The nation’s legal framework disqualifies any convicted individual from leading a political party, participating in elections, or holding public office.
Despite the challenging conditions at Attock prison, which dates back to British colonial rule in 1905, Khan remains in high spirits, according to Panjutha. He provided insights into the prison’s rudimentary facilities, highlighting Khan’s confinement to a cramped room without air conditioning, dealing with daytime flies and nighttime insects.
Notably, Khan had previously been arrested in May on corruption charges, sparking widespread protests across Pakistan. Subsequently, Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered his release, deeming his arrest illegal.
Since his sentencing on Saturday, Khan has rallied for mass protests, yet has struggled to amass substantial support from his followers. He also contends that his ousting was a collaboration between Washington, Sharif, and the Pakistani military—a claim all three parties vehemently reject.
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