Legal experts say the guilty verdict reached by a district court could end Khan’s chances of participating in national elections that have to be held before early November.
“Police have arrested Imran Khan from his residence,” Khan’s lawyer Intezar Panjotha told Reuters. “We are filing a petition against the decision in high court. Lahore’s Police Chief Bilal Siddique Kamiana confirmed the arrest and told Reuters the politician was being transferred to the capital, Islamabad.
Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said in a statement they had already filed another appeal to the Supreme Court earlier on Saturday.
The conviction came just a day after Pakistan’s high court had temporarily halted the district court trial. It was not immediately clear why the trial had proceeded despite the high court decision.
Khan’s arrest and detention for several days in May over a separate case had sparked intense political turmoil and deadly clashes had erupted between Khan supporters and police. Pakistani media and a Reuters witness described police surrounding Khan’s residence in Lahore on Saturday after the verdict was released.
The sentence relates to an inquiry conducted by the election commission, which found Khan guilty of unlawfully selling state gifts during his tenure as prime minister from 2018 to 2022. Khan has denied any wrongdoing.
The 70-year-old cricketer-turned-politician was accused of misusing his premiership to buy and sell gifts in state possession that were received during visits abroad and worth more than 140 million Pakistani rupees ($635,000).
Source: france24
In other news – Abdul Khoza Postpones His EP Launch
Abdul Khoza apologizes to fans as he postpones his R.U.N EP launch. The artist penned a note of apology, saying the event which ought to take place today has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, however, a new date will be shared.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, we would like to sincerely apologize to the supporters who were looking forward to joining us on this launch. Read more
