Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Khan, have been sentenced to seven years in prison and fined for violating marriage laws. The court ruling, the third adverse decision against Khan this week, adds to the challenges he faces ahead of the national elections on Thursday, which he is barred from contesting.
Legal Troubles Mount for Imran Khan
The 71-year-old Imran Khan, already facing a 10-year disqualification from holding public office, has recently been handed a 10-year sentence for leaking state secrets. Additionally, he and his wife received a 14-year sentence for illegally selling state gifts. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, in a statement, criticized the rushed hearings, lack of cross-examination, and absence of due process, calling it a mockery of the law.
Doubts Cast on Elections
“With the way these trials are being conducted, there will be a huge question mark on the February 8th elections. This is a test case for Pakistan’s higher judiciary,” warned the PTI. The statement raises concerns about the integrity of the upcoming elections, highlighting the need for a fair and transparent legal process.
Marriage Violation Charges
The court’s ruling on the 2018 marriage between Imran Khan and Bushra Khan revolves around accusations that Bushra did not complete the mandated waiting period, known as “Iddat,” after divorcing her previous husband before marrying Imran Khan. The Khans signed their marriage contract, or “Nikkah,” in a secret ceremony in January 2018, seven months before Imran Khan became prime minister.
Denials and Defenses
Both Imran and Bushra Khan denied any wrongdoing. Imran Khan’s media advisor, Zulfi Bukhari, dismissed the charges as “yet another fake case,” emphasizing the lack of credible evidence and proper legal procedures. Bushra Khan’s ex-husband, Khawar Maneka, initiated the legal proceedings, alleging a violation of Islamic law.
Personal and Spiritual Ties
Bushra Khan, formerly known as Bushra Riaz Watto, changed her name after marrying Imran Khan. Despite the legal challenges, Khan has often referred to her as his spiritual leader. Her devotion to Sufism, a mystical form of Islam, has been a defining aspect of her public image. It remains unclear when and how Khan met Bushra, but former aide Aun Chaudhry noted that Khan was impressed with her spirituality.
Imran Khan’s legal woes deepen as he and his wife face imprisonment for violating marriage laws. The timing, just days before national elections, raises questions about the fairness of the legal proceedings and the impact on Pakistan’s political landscape. As the nation awaits the election outcome, the legal challenges surrounding the former prime minister continue to unfold.