Imran Khan, a former cricket star and significant player in Pakistani politics, has had his corruption conviction recently suspended by a ruling by the country's high court.
The suspension does not, however, result in his immediate release from custody because he has already been kept there due to another matter, according to Reuters.
High Court Suspends Imran Khan's Corruption Conviction
Victories and controversy have characterized the political career of the 70-year-old former prime minister. When he was removed from office by a parliamentary vote of confidence in April 2022, he suffered a severe blow.
The nation's serious economic difficulties have made the continuing political crisis worse. After being found guilty of illegally selling state goods while serving as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, Imran Khan was sentenced to jail on August 5. A five-year ban from running for office results from the three-year prison term.
In an unexpected change of events, Khan's sentence was suspended according to a court ruling published on Tuesday. The court's order read, "We feel that the applicant is entitled to the suspension of sentence and be released on bail."
Naeem Panjutha, Khan's attorney, shared the sentiments and thanked everyone on social media by saying, "God be praised."
This respite does not, however, result in Khan's immediate release. Due to a different incident involving disclosing national secrets, he is still in custody. In this case, a judge had already ordered Khan's imprisonment, and as per the judge's directive, Khan is expected to appear before the judge on Wednesday.
Additionally, Khan's exclusion from the next elections remains in effect even if his corruption conviction has been suspended. In Pakistan, where a caretaker government was installed, national elections are scheduled for later this year. However, there may be several-month delays in the voting process.
Khan's appeal petition emphasized that his conviction was obtained without giving him the chance to defend himself effectively at the summary trial, and it sought to secure the immediate suspension of his sentence.
Khan's political rivals and the prosecution claim that the test was hastened because Khan repeatedly disregarded summonses and arrest warrants over several months, Al Jazeera reported.
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Imran Khan Accused of Leaking Confidential Cable for Political Gain
In a separate case concerning state secrets, Khan is accused of utilizing a private cable from Pakistan's ambassador to the US for political gain by leaking its contents. Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Khan's former senior adviser, has previously been detained and questioned concerning this issue.
Khan claims that the cable demonstrates that the United States was responsible for his ouster from power and that Washington put pressure on Pakistan's military to topple his government because of his travel to Russia just before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The Pakistani military and Washington have both refuted these assertions.
Imran Khan's political demise was attributed mainly to his deteriorating relationship with the powerful Pakistani military, which has always exercised major influence over decisions about leadership.
According to Khan's attorney, Abdul Moiz Jaferii, the possibility of Khan's corruption conviction being overturned still depends on a thorough court hearing. Khan's current predicament is further exacerbated by the various other charges brought against him and calls for his cooperation with the appropriate law enforcement and investigation organizations.
Khan is accused of coordinating violent protests, treason, corruption, and other offenses, but he maintains his innocence and says the accusations result from political motives.
Khan's political party demands his immediate release, claiming that his continued arrest not only jeopardizes the integrity of the country but also casts doubt on the legitimacy of the legal system.
Zulfikar Bukhari, Khan's aide, posted on social media, "Arresting him in any other case will cause further damage to our national integrity and repute of the judicial system," adding his call for justice, "Let the innocent be free!," as per The Telegraph via MSN.
