Imran Khan's lawyer stated that "the Pakistani police arrested the former prime minister in Lahore, eastern Pakistan," after a court issued a judgment sentencing him to three years in prison for illegally selling state gifts.
According to the Islamabad judicial court, former Prime Minister Imran Khan was found guilty of corrupt practices and obtaining illegal benefits from the national treasury, making him ineligible to participate in elections. He received a three-year prison sentence and a fine of one hundred thousand rupees. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party will appeal the case.
Pakistani Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb stated that "the arrest of Imran Khan followed a thorough investigation and proper legal procedures in the trial," emphasizing that "the conviction of Imran Khan has nothing to do with the elections." She added, "The court ruling states that Imran Khan was given the full opportunity to defend himself and that the judgment proved he was guilty of committing corrupt practices."
In a pre-recorded statement on the "X" platform, Imran Khan mentioned that his arrest was "expected," urging his supporters: "I have one appeal: do not sit silently in your homes."
A court order stated that Imran Khan would be sent to Adiala Central Jail in Rawalpindi. Legal experts suggest that the conviction could eliminate Khan's chances of running in the national elections, which must be held by early November. The PTI party announced that it had already filed an appeal with the country’s Supreme Court against the court ruling, stating, "The people will not accept the conspiracy and attempts of revenge against Imran Khan." The party also called for peaceful nationwide protests.
The ruling relates to an investigation conducted by the Election Commission, which concluded that Khan illegally sold state gifts while serving as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022.
On its part, the UK Foreign Office confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation in Pakistan following Khan's arrest, which may prevent the opposition leader from contesting the upcoming elections. A spokesperson stated, "The UK has a close and long-standing relationship with Pakistan... We support democratic principles and adherence to the rule of law. We are closely monitoring the situation."
Details regarding the charges Khan faces include his conviction for misusing his position as Prime Minister between 2018 and 2022 to sell and purchase gifts in state possession received during overseas visits, valued at over 140 million Pakistani rupees (490,000 USD). Government officials indicated that "the gifts included watches given to him by one of the royal families," noting previously that "Khan's aides sold them in Dubai, which included perfumes, diamond jewelry, and tableware." Among the gifts were seven watches, including six Rolex watches. The most expensive watch among them is a "Master Graph," of which only limited pieces exist, valued at approximately 85 million rupees (300,000 USD), according to a list published by the Pakistani Information Minister.
Khan stated that "more than 150 cases have been registered against him since his ousting in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022, before completing four years of his five-year term." He has appeared before the court in other cases.
The Pakistani Anti-Corruption Agency had arrested Khan in May in connection with another corruption case. However, Khan denied any wrongdoing and was released on bail days after his arrest.
