ISLAMABAD – Pakistani former Prime Minister Imran Khan was detained on Saturday in the eastern city of Lahore, according to his lawyer, after a court sentenced him to three years in prison for illegally selling state goods.
Legal experts believe that if Khan is convicted in the case, he will be unable to run in national elections scheduled for early November.
In a statement, Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), said it has previously filed an appeal in the country’s Supreme Court on the district court case.
After the decision was announced, police surrounded Khan’s apartment in Lahore, according to local media and a Reuters witness.
The sentencing stems from an election commission investigation, which found Khan guilty of illegally selling official goods during his tenure as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022.
Khan has categorically denied any wrongdoing.
The 70-year-old cricketer-turned-politician was accused of abusing his position as prime minister to buy and sell goods in state custody for more than 140 million Pakistani rupees ($635,000).
Khan has been charged in over 150 instances since his ouster in April of last year, charges he claims are politically motivated.
Khan’s legal team stated that an appeal would be filed immediately.
“It’s important to note that there was no opportunity to present witnesses, nor was time allotted to round up arguments,” a team member added.
Source: Reuters
