Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have been handed a seven-year jail sentence after their marriage was deemed un-Islamic and illegal by a Pakistani court. This latest ruling adds to Khan's legal troubles, as he is already serving time for corruption charges. The court, operating within Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, convicted the couple of profiting from state gifts just a week before a general election.
Court Decision
The court's decision was based on a complaint filed by Bibi's ex-husband, alleging that her marriage with Khan was fraudulent. According to Muslim family law, women are restricted from remarrying for a specific period after divorce. The court found that Bibi had remarried before completing the required waiting period. Alongside the seven-year jail term, Khan and Bibi were also fined 500,000 rupees ($1,800; £1,420).
The couple's marriage in 2018, preceding Khan's election as prime minister, faced scrutiny. Bibi, a spiritual healer in her 40s, is Khan's third wife. The former cricket star had a playboy reputation in his earlier years before marrying Jemima Goldsmith in 1995. His second marriage, in 2015, to journalist Reham Khan, lasted less than a year.
Imran Khan Position
Imran Khan has been in detention since August, and this recent sentence marks his third in less than a week. On Tuesday, he received a 10-year jail term for leaking classified documents. Wednesday's case revolved around allegations that Khan and his wife sold or retained state gifts, resulting in both receiving 14-year sentences. Bibi was permitted to serve her sentence under house arrest.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Stand
Khan's political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has
criticized the legal proceedings, referring to them as "kangaroo
courts." The credibility of the upcoming election is now under scrutiny,
with many questioning the fairness of the process as Khan and his party face
sidelining and numerous leaders are either imprisoned or have defected.
Conclusion
Imran Khan's legal challenges continue to mount, impacting
both his political career and personal life. As the political landscape
evolves, the upcoming election faces skepticism regarding fairness and
credibility. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.