Islamabad, Dec20, (dpa/GNA) – A Pakistani court on Saturday, sentenced former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife to 17 years in prison each, in a corruption case involving the retention of luxury state gifts.
The decision of a special court was announced during a hearing at Rawalpindi’s jail where Khan, 73, has been imprisoned for more than two years.
Pakistani laws allow the retention of state gifts after a prescribed payment. Khan is accused of retaining a Bulgari jewelry set by paying only a fraction of its market value.
Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), rejected the decision, posting on X that “a closed door jail trial is neither free nor fair, it is in fact a Military Trial.”
The PTI called the court “a kangaroo court.”
The government, however, rejected the criticism.
“I think this is a fair decision,” Information Minister Attaullah Tarar told local media.
Tarar said the court order was announced after a comprehensive trial in which “criminal breach of trust by a public servant and misuse of authority” was proved beyond doubt.
The minister clarified that the latest jail term would start following the completion of Khan’s current jail term of 14 years, also over corruption allegations.
The latest decision comes at a time when Khan’s family and party, is mounting pressure over alleged mistreatment in jail.
Khan’s sister, who was allowed to meet him recently after protests, told media that the couple were being subjected to “mental torture” as both were held in “isolation.”
Khan ruled Pakistan between 2018 and 2022, before being removed by parliament in a confidence vote.
GNA