Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, has been handed a 10-year jail term by a special court for violating the nation’s Official Secrets Act. The verdict, delivered by special court judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain on Tuesday, January 30, also convicted former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi for the same offense.
The special court’s order pertains to Khan’s disclosure of a diplomatic cable while he was in power, a violation deemed severe under the Official Secrets Act. Despite the conviction, Imran Khan has the option to appeal the verdict in a higher court, which could potentially alter the outcome of the case.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Supportive Stance
In response to the ruling, Imran Khan’s party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), expressed solidarity with Khan and Qureshi. The PTI reaffirmed its support, asserting that both leaders defended Pakistan’s interests and advocated for true independence. The party’s tweet emphasized confidence in Khan and Qureshi’s eventual vindication during the appeal process.
“Pakistan stands with Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who defended Pakistan and stood for Haqeeqi Azadi… Kaptaan and Vice Kaptaan will be back soon, and this sentence will be in a dustbin in the appeal stage,” the PTI tweeted.
Imran Khan’s Response
Imran Khan, in a statement shared on social media, criticized the trial process, likening it to a predetermined outcome akin to a “fixed match.” Khan expressed scepticism about the fairness of the proceedings, attributing the verdict to external influences and agendas.
“This is not a trial but a fixed match whose outcome was predetermined by the characters and planners of the London Plan and their seals. That is why I already know the decision of this case,” Imran Khan tweeted.
The sentencing of Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi marks a significant development in Pakistani politics, with implications for the country’s governance and legal system. As the case progresses through the appeals process, the political landscape in Pakistan is likely to witness further shifts and debates surrounding the integrity of the judiciary and the rights of public figures. The outcome of the appeal will determine the fate of Khan and Qureshi, shaping their future roles in Pakistani politics.
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