Islamabad
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were sentenced to prison on Friday in the £190 million Al-Qadir University Project Trust corruption case. Imran Khan received a 14-year prison sentence, and Bushra Bibi was sentenced to seven years. The verdict was delivered by Judge Nasir Javed Rana in a makeshift courtroom at Adiala Jail after several delays.
The court also imposed fines on the couple: Rs 1 million on Imran Khan and Rs 500,000 on Bushra Bibi. If they fail to pay the fines, an additional six months will be added to their sentences. Bushra Bibi was arrested immediately after the ruling.
The case accuses the couple of receiving large amounts of money and land from Bahria Town Ltd in exchange for legalizing Rs 50 billion that had been returned to Pakistan by the United Kingdom. The verdict, initially set for December 2023, had been postponed several times due to various reasons, including the couple’s absence from court.
Imran Khan has been in custody since August 2023 on multiple charges, which he claims are politically motivated. Despite acquittals in some earlier cases, he still faces other legal challenges, including the Toshakhana 2 case. The couple’s sentencing has sparked controversy and political debates in Pakistan.
BOX
· Imran Khan sentenced to 14 years, wife seven.
· Court imposes fines of Rs 1 million, Rs 500,000.
· Case centered around £50 billion returned from UK.
· Case linked to £190 million Al-Qadir University project.
· PTI leader claims political motives behind legal cases.