A former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have been sentenced in a case involving corruption and land fraud.
According to Reuters, the charges relate to a non-governmental charitable organisation, the 'Al-Qadir Trust', established by Khan and Bibi in 2018.
Prosecutors allege the foundation was a front for Khan to receive two plots of land as a bribe from one of Pakistan's wealthiest businessmen, property developer Malik Riaz Hussain. It is claimed the bribe was offered in exchange for unlawful services.
Khan denies all the accusations, asserting they are politically motivated and aimed at preventing his return to power.
The court found Imran Khan guilty and sentenced him to 14 years' imprisonment. His wife, Bushra Bibi, received a 7-year prison sentence. She had been on bail but was taken into custody following the verdict.
Khan's aide, Omar Ayub, stated that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party intends to appeal the sentence in higher courts.
It has emerged that in November 2024, Pakistan experienced a wave of mass protests organised by supporters of Imran Khan and the PTI. These rallies were a response to the legal persecution of the politician, his arrests, and attempts to bar him from participating in elections.