Imran Khan, a former prime minister of Pakistan, was arrested following his three-year prison term in the Toshakhana case.

In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s political landscape, former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been arrested following a trial court’s verdict that sentenced him to three years in prison in the Toshakhana case. The case revolves around allegations of illegally selling state gifts and profiting from them during his time in power. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 100,000 on Khan and disqualified him from participating in active politics for a period of five years.

The Toshakhana case, which has now led to Khan’s arrest, centers on his alleged involvement in selling valuable state gifts that were received during visits abroad. These gifts, worth more than Rs 140 million (approximately USD 635,000), were reportedly sold for personal gain. The former Prime Minister has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the charges against him are baseless.

The trial court’s decision comes in the wake of a lengthy legal process and a series of hearings. The judge, Humayun Dilawar, pronounced Khan’s involvement in corrupt practices as proven and ordered his arrest. It is noteworthy that Khan was not present in court during the hearing, and the judge’s decision has ignited a flurry of reactions and discussions across the country.

Imran Khan, a former cricketer who transitioned to politics, has been a prominent figure in Pakistani politics for years. His political journey culminated in him assuming the role of Prime Minister after his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), secured a victory in the general elections. Khan’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by various policy initiatives and challenges, and he remains a polarizing figure in the country’s political discourse.

The legal proceedings surrounding the Toshakhana case have been closely watched by observers both within Pakistan and internationally. The case has further underscored the importance of accountability and transparency in governance and has raised questions about the ethical conduct of public officials.

In response to the verdict, PTI officials criticized the court’s decision, terming it biased and an attempt to undermine Khan’s leadership. The party expressed its intention to challenge the ruling in a higher court, asserting that the nation would not accept what they referred to as a “conspiracy and revenge attempt” against Khan.

The arrest of a former Prime Minister is a significant event in any nation’s history, and it is likely to have far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s political landscape. As the country navigates this latest development, discussions about the rule of law, accountability, and the role of the judiciary in ensuring justice are likely to intensify.

The Toshakhana case’s resolution is anticipated to continue to be a focal point of public and political discourse, and the eventual outcome will have implications for both Khan’s political future and the broader trajectory of Pakistan’s governance.