The United States has officially stated that the legal proceedings involving Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and other politicians within Pakistan are considered internal affairs of the country. The US State Department conveyed this message via email in response to a query from The News. The department emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles and the rule of law in Pakistan, aligning with its global stance on such matters. The US has consistently refuted Imran Khan’s claims that his government was ousted by the US, considering them unfounded.
Imran Khan, a former prime minister, was recently sentenced to a three-year jail term following a court verdict that found him guilty of corruption in the Toshakhana case. This conviction could potentially prevent him from participating in the upcoming elections scheduled for later this year. In Pakistan, individuals convicted of criminal offenses are ineligible to contest elections, and there is a possibility that parliament might be dissolved in the next couple of weeks before its term completion, leading to a national election by mid-November or sooner.
The judge presiding over the case noted that Imran Khan’s dishonesty had been conclusively proven. The case revolved around unreported gifts he had received during his tenure as prime minister. After his arrest, Imran Khan posted a video message on his social media account, urging his supporters to engage in peaceful protests for justice and their rights.
Imran Khan, aged 70, has faced a series of court cases that he claims are politically motivated since his removal through a vote of no confidence last year. He was not present during the sentencing and was subsequently taken into custody by the police. He was also fined 100,000 rupees as part of the ruling. Imran Khan spent the night in a jail in Attock, a historical city around 60 kilometers west of Islamabad.