Lahore, Pakistan — Police have apprehended Imran Khan, Pakistan’s former prime minister, in Lahore, following a verdict from a Pakistani trial court that sentenced him to three years in imprisonment for the unauthorized sale of state gifts. The 70-year-old former cricketer, who transitioned into politics, was accused of abusing his prime ministerial authority during his tenure from 2018 to 2022 to buy and sell state-received gifts from foreign visits, with a combined value exceeding 140 million Pakistani rupees ($497,500).
Judge Humayun Dilawar, who presided over the case, stated in the verdict, “His lack of integrity has been unequivocally established. He stands convicted of engaging in corrupt practices by deliberately and intentionally concealing the benefits he derived from the national treasury.” The verdict also carries a fine of 100,000 Pakistani rupees ($355), which, if unpaid, could result in an additional six months of incarceration.
Imran Khan’s legal representative, Intezar Panjotha, informed Reuters that Khan was taken into custody from his residence in Lahore. Reports from Pakistani media described Khan’s home being surrounded by police after the verdict was issued. Panjotha added, “We are in the process of filing an appeal against the decision in the high court.”
In a prerecorded video shared on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, Khan urged his supporters to take to the streets in protest. He implored, “I have just one request, one plea for you. Do not remain passive within your homes. My struggle is not merely for myself but for my nation, for all of you. For the future of your offspring.” He continued, “If you fail to stand up for your rights, you will be living a life of subjugation, and slaves have no lives.”
Within the post, Khan alluded to the “London Plan,” a term he utilizes to reference an alleged conspiracy involving the current army chief, General Asim Munir, and thrice-former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who has been in self-imposed exile in London since 2019. Khan has yet to substantiate the existence of this purported plot.
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