January 16, 2026
Loading...
Published by Aeyan Raza
December 20, 2025
A Pakistani court on Saturday sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison each in a corruption case linked to the purchase of luxury state gifts at discounted prices.
The verdict adds to Khan’s mounting legal challenges. He has been in jail since August 2023 and is already serving a 14-year sentence in a separate land corruption case. According to officials, the new prison term will begin after the completion of his current sentence.
The case revolves around luxury watches and other gifts presented to Khan during official visits, including items reportedly gifted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Prosecutors said Khan and Bushra Bibi bought these gifts from the state at prices far below their market value, violating Pakistan’s gift rules and causing significant losses to the national treasury.
The court awarded 10 years of imprisonment for criminal breach of trust and an additional seven years under anti-corruption laws. Heavy fines were also imposed.
Khan’s legal team strongly criticised the ruling. Family lawyer Rana Mudassar Umer said the verdict was delivered without properly hearing the defence. Another lawyer, Salman Safdar, confirmed that Khan has instructed his team to challenge the decision in the Islamabad High Court.
PTI leader Zulfi Bukhari described the case as “selective prosecution” and claimed the judicial process ignored basic principles of justice.
Following the verdict, Khan’s party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced plans for protests across Punjab. The party also alleged that Khan has recently been denied family and legal visits, a claim authorities have denied.
Once a cricket icon turned politician, Imran Khan remains one of Pakistan’s most divisive figures, with his legal battles continuing as his party stays out of power.
