Ruling Alliance Applauds Imran Khan’s Guilty Finding and Arrest in Corruption Case

The governing coalition in Pakistan has expressed joy at Imran Khan’s conviction and detention in a corruption case connected to the Toshakhana affair. Khan received a three-year jail term after being found guilty of “corrupt practices” by a trial court in Islamabad. Khan was also given a fine of Rs 100,000 by the court, with a warning that if he didn’t pay it, he would get another six months in prison.

Khan’s dishonesty in giving misleading and incorrect information concerning gifts he got from the Toshakhana, a collection of gifts presented to government officials by foreign dignitaries, was noted in the court’s judgment. According to PTI, Marriyum Aurangzeb, the minister for information, praised the judgement and said that it showed Khan’s participation in corruption by fabricating and releasing fake remarks.

 

The judgment, which follows over 40 hearings and about 14 months of inquiry, has made the nation’s continuing political deadlock worse. Khan’s conviction was the subject of a brief remark by foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who implied that Khan was given what he had previously done to others.

 

In contrast, after the arrest of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif posted a photo of Khan with party officials enjoying candy on social media, making subtly critical remarks about some of the present leaders who had ties to Sharif in the past.

 

Notably, Hussain Haqqani, a former ambassador to the US, voiced alarm about Khan’s detention and said it was evidence of Pakistan’s incomplete democratic system. Haqqani said that even though people can disagree with Khan’s conduct and constantly shifting opinions, it is important to understand the importance of a fair democratic process.

 

Imran Khan has now been found guilty twice, the most recent instance being this past conviction. In connection with the Al-Qadir Trust case, which sparked massive unrest and a harsh crackdown on his party, he had already been detained in May. Khan maintains his innocence despite being detained and urged his followers to go on with peaceful demonstrations for their freedom and rights.

 

The trial court’s decision was rendered one day after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) overturned a session court’s decision upholding the maintainability of the Toshakhana case for Khan’s criminal prosecution. Khan was disqualified in October 2022 as a result of the case, which the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) brought on the basis of his suspected concealing of gift information.

 

According to Khan’s argument, he kept presents from the Toshakhana worth more than Rs 140 million by following the right processes. Allegations that Khan purposefully withheld information about gifts and money received from their reported sales while serving as prime minister are at the center of the case.

 

The political climate in Pakistan continues to be extremely volatile as Khan faces over 140 cases throughout the nation, including accusations of terrorism, violence, blasphemy, corruption, and murder. Khan was removed from office in April of last year after losing a vote of no confidence that he said was a result of a US-led plot against him because of his independent foreign policy choices on Russia, China, and Afghanistan.