ISLAMABAD (AP) — A Pakistani court on Tuesday sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and one of his party representatives to 10 years in prison each for leaking official secrets.
According to Zulfikar Bukhari, a spokesman for Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, the court announced the verdict at a prison in Rawalpindi's Garrison City.
Khan, who was ousted by a no-confidence vote in parliament in April 2022, is currently serving a three-year prison sentence for corruption.
The latest development comes ahead of Pakistan's parliamentary elections on February 8 – Khan's blocked vote From running in Because His previous criminal convictions.
Khan's defense team is likely to appeal the verdict on Tuesday.
Although Khan will not be on the ballot in February's election, he remains a powerful political force thanks to his grassroots following and anti-establishment rhetoric. He says Legal cases against him A conspiracy to sideline him before voting.
Pakistan saw Violent demonstrations After Khan's May 2023 arrest. Following this, the authorities have taken strict action against his supporters and party members.
According to the Independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan There is little chance of free and fair parliamentary elections It also expressed concern over authorities rejecting the nominations of Khan and senior figures from his party due to “pre-poll rigging” next month.
