Political Turmoil in Pakistan: Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi Face 10-Year Jail Term
GHRTV
31-01-2024
Hasom Jang
Pakistan Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence
In a shocking turn of events, former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been sentenced to a 10-year jail term in the cypher case. The Special Court, operating under the Official Secrets Act, delivered the verdict after a contentious hearing at Adiala Jail, leading to uproar within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
The cypher case centers around a diplomatic document that the Federal Investigation Agency claims was never returned by Imran Khan, allegedly containing a threat from the United States to remove him as Prime Minister. The trial faced disruptions as both accused vehemently objected, prompting the PTI to challenge the verdict, denouncing it as an abuse of power.
Simultaneously, Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi received a major setback in the Toshakhana reference, with Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir pronouncing a 14-year jail term for each. The couple was found guilty of acquiring a graff jewelry set worth Rs1.57 billion through manipulative means. Imran Khan's emotional plea that his wife had no connection to the case added a dramatic element to the proceedings.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan criticized the Toshakhana verdict, labeling it as cruel and unprecedented. He accused the accountability court of not allowing proper cross-examination and announced the party's intention to file an appeal in the high court. Gohar emphasized that Bushra Bibi was unfairly sentenced to pressurize Imran Khan, urging PTI supporters to remain calm and assuring them that justice would prevail in the superior courts.
In a separate development, the Islamabad High Court declared the notification of Imran Khan's jail trial in the Toshakhana and £190 million settlement cases as valid, dismissing Khan's petitions against the jail trial. The detailed verdict also rejected objections over the appointment of the accountability judge, emphasizing the responsibility of the executive in determining the location of the sessions court.
As Pakistan grapples with these unprecedented political developments, the PTI leadership vows to challenge the legal proceedings, maintaining that justice will ultimately prevail. The nation watches closely as these legal battles unfold, anticipating their significant impact on Pakistan's political future and the stability of the region.- can you translate this in Korean
Sources and further readings:
Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi sentenced to 14 years in Toshakhana reference—Pakistan—DAWN.COM. Retrieved 31 January 2024
Imran, Qureshi jailed for 10 years in cypher case. (30 January 2024).
https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/01/30/imran-qureshi-jailed-for-10-years-in-cypher-case/
Imran, wife Bushra awarded 14-year jail time in Toshakhana reference. Retrieved 31 January 2024
Toshakhana reference: Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi sentenced to 14 years. Retrieved 31 January 2024
https://www.geo.tv/latest/529243-imran-khan-bushra-bibi-sentenced-to-14-years-in-toshakhana-case
