JAN 17 – Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been convicted in a significant legal case. On Friday, a Pakistani court sentenced Khan to 14 years in prison, while Bushra Bibi was sentenced to seven years, in connection with a land corruption case. These charges form part of a series of legal proceedings that the couple has faced since Khan’s removal from office in 2022. From allegations of financial misconduct to political confrontations, the couple’s legal troubles have continued to generate widespread attention.
This article delves into the multiple cases and controversies surrounding Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, providing a closer look at the charges that have kept them at the center of Pakistan’s political and legal unrest.
1. Land Corruption Case
One of the most significant legal issues facing Imran Khan and his wife is the land corruption case, which has drawn considerable attention due to its financial implications. On January 17, 2025, an anti-graft court sentenced Imran Khan to 14 years in prison, while Bushra Bibi received a seven-year sentence in connection to the land corruption case. The court found that Khan and his wife had been gifted a large tract of land by a real estate developer in exchange for illegal favours during Khan’s tenure as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022.
The couple is accused of accepting this land, valued at around 7 billion Pakistani rupees (approximately $25 million), as a bribe through a trust that was established in 2018. Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has maintained that the land was intended for charitable purposes, but the court found otherwise. The verdict was delivered in a Rawalpindi prison, where Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023.
2. State Gifts Scandal
In August 2023, Imran Khan was arrested once again, this time for selling state gifts worth more than 140 million rupees (approximately $500,000). These gifts had been given to Khan during his tenure as Prime Minister and were considered state property. The charges claim that Khan unlawfully sold these gifts, which included expensive items like watches and jewelry, violating laws related to state assets.
Both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were indicted in December on charges stemming from this case. However, their sentences were temporarily suspended, allowing them to continue their legal battles. Both Khan and Bibi have consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to the state gifts, asserting that they did not act illegally.
3. Charges of Abetting Violence
Imran Khan also faces charges related to the violent events that followed his arrest in May 2023. Following his arrest, widespread protests erupted, leading to clashes between Khan’s supporters and law enforcement. The violence resulted in the deaths and injuries of several individuals. The government has charged Khan with abetting violence, accusing him of inciting his followers to engage in acts of terrorism.
In December 2023, Khan was formally indicted on these charges, and the case is currently ongoing. Several of his supporters have already been convicted for their involvement in the violence, adding to the already numerous cases against the former Prime Minister.
4. State Secrets Leak
In addition to the corruption and violence-related charges, Imran Khan faced accusations of mishandling state secrets. Specifically, he was accused of publicly releasing a classified cable that was sent to Islamabad by Pakistan’s ambassador in Washington during 2022. The cable reportedly contained diplomatic communications that were meant to remain confidential.
While Khan denied any intentional leak, the case raised questions about his handling of sensitive state matters during his time in office. However, in June 2023, Khan was acquitted of these charges, as the court found insufficient evidence to prove he had intentionally disclosed state secrets.
5. Unlawful Marriage Allegations
In another legal challenge, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were accused of violating Islamic law regarding their marriage in 2018. The accusation stemmed from allegations that they did not observe the required waiting period (iddah) after Bushra Bibi’s divorce from her previous husband. Islamic law mandates that a woman must wait for a specific period after divorce before remarrying.
However, the court dismissed these charges in July 2023, ruling that the couple’s marriage did not violate any religious or legal principles. The case was one of many that aimed to undermine Khan’s public image but was ultimately rejected by the court.
6. Political Fallout and Imprisonment
Imran Khan’s legal troubles have significantly impacted his political career. Since his removal from office, he has been involved in numerous legal battles, resulting in extended periods of detention. His imprisonment began in August 2023, and he has remained incarcerated while facing multiple charges across various cases. Khan’s legal team argues that the charges against him are politically motivated, designed to stifle his influence and silence his criticism of the current government.
Bushra Bibi has also faced legal action, with her most recent arrest occurring on January 17, 2025, following her involvement in the land corruption case. While she was granted bail in October 2024 in another case, her ongoing legal battles highlight the challenges the couple faces.
Conclusion
The cases against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are numerous and span a wide range of accusations, from corruption and violence to violations of Islamic law. These legal challenges have kept both the former Prime Minister and his wife in the courts, and their ongoing trials continue to capture the attention of the Pakistani public. While Khan maintains his innocence and argues that the charges are politically motivated, the outcome of these cases will likely have a significant impact on his future and that of his political party, PTI. As the legal process continues, the couple’s fate remains uncertain, and their cases will undoubtedly be central to Pakistan’s political landscape in the years to come.