Imran Khan Sentenced to 14 Years in Jail

In a significant setback for former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, a court has convicted him and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Al-Qadir Trust case. The court sentenced Imran Khan to 14 years of imprisonment, while Bushra Bibi received a seven-year prison term. Additionally, fines of PKR 1 million for Imran Khan and PKR 500,000 for Bushra Bibi were imposed. The verdict was delivered under tight security at the Adiala Jail.

Details of the Al-Qadir Trust Case

The Al-Qadir Trust case centers around allegations of embezzlement involving a property transaction. The controversy began when the UK government returned £190 million to Pakistan after recovering it from Malik Riaz Hussain, a Pakistan-based real estate tycoon. Prosecutors allege that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi misappropriated the funds, which were supposed to be deposited in Pakistan's national treasury.

Instead, the couple is accused of using a portion of the recovered money to settle a fine previously imposed on Malik Riaz by Pakistan’s Supreme Court. In return, Malik Riaz allegedly donated 57 acres of land to the Al-Qadir University Trust, which Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were establishing.

A History of Legal Challenges

This conviction adds to the extensive legal troubles faced by Imran Khan, who has been embroiled in over 200 cases to date. He has been in custody since August 2023, navigating a series of legal battles that have marked a tumultuous period for the former prime minister.