Pakistani court overturns corruption conviction of ex-PM Imran Khan

author: FutureCar Staff    

A Pakistani appeals court has suspended the corruption conviction and three-year prison term of Imran Khan, the former prime minister. This legal victory allows Khan to contest the upcoming parliamentary elections, although he will face a retrial in the future. Khan has consistently denied the charges against him, asserting that he did not violate any rules.

In addition to suspending the conviction, the Islamabad High Court has granted bail for Khan. However, it remains uncertain whether he will be released, as he still faces numerous other charges brought against him since his ouster through a no-confidence vote in April 2022. Khan's lawyer, Shoaib Shaheen, confirmed that the court issued a brief verbal order, with a written ruling to follow.

Following the court's decision, Khan is once again entitled to lead his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, according to Babar Awan, another senior attorney for Khan. Earlier this month, Pakistan's Election Commission had disqualified Khan from running for office for five years due to his conviction. Pakistani law prohibits convicted individuals from leading a party, participating in elections, or holding public office.

Since his removal from office, Khan has claimed that his ouster was part of a conspiracy involving the United States, his successor Shehbaz Sharif, and the Pakistani military. However, all parties involved have denied these allegations. Sharif recently stepped down after the parliament's term ended, adding to the political uncertainty and economic turmoil that Pakistan is currently facing.

The upcoming parliamentary vote has been further complicated by an announcement from the election oversight body, stating that elections must be delayed for three to four months. This delay is necessary to redraw constituencies based on the recently held census. According to the constitution, the vote should take place in October or November. In the meantime, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar is overseeing the day-to-day affairs and has assured the public that the election will be conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.

FutureCar Staff