In flame-spreading news from Pakistan, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has taken a significant step by suspending the conviction and three-year prison sentence of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in the Toshakhana corruption case.
According to a report by PTI, the awaited verdict was announced by a panel of judges led by Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, Aamir Farooq, and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri.
The IHC had reserved its decision earlier and finally announced it on Monday regarding Imran Khan’s plea challenging his conviction in the Toshakhana corruption case.
“Our request has been granted, and the sentence has been put on hold,” Panjutha shared on the messaging platform X (formerly Twitter).
As reported by Reuters, the uncertainty about whether Khan’s release would be automatic following the High Court’s ruling arises from other court orders that have authorized his arrest in separate cases. The potential impact on his eligibility for future elections remains unclear.
Previously, a lower court in Islamabad had found Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, guilty and sentenced him to three years in jail on August 5th. The court’s decision was based on his involvement in the Toshakhana corruption case, where he was found guilty of illegally selling state gifts. Consecutively, he was also barred from participating in politics for five years.
Imran Khan being a former cricket star turned politician, was convicted for allegedly unlawfully selling state presents that he and his family had received during his tenure from 2018 to 2022.
Later, he also received a five-year ban on political engagement, effectively disqualifying him from upcoming elections.
“Judge Humayun Dilawar affirmed the existence of corrupt practices,” reported Pakistan TV, citing AFP.
Since his ousting from office in the preceding year, Imran Khan has become involved in more than 150 legal cases. However, he contends that these cases are politically influenced. Following his arrest, his legal team expressed their intention to swiftly lodge an appeal.