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Imran Khan's 10-year sentence sparks chaos ahead of critical Pakistan elections

Imran Khan Sentenced to 10 Years for Leaking State Secrets Amidst Election Tensions


Imran Khan's 10-year sentence sparks chaos ahead of critical Pakistan elections

In a significant turn of events, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to 10 years in jail on charges of leaking state secrets. Khan, who was ousted from his position in 2022 and is already serving a three-year term for corruption, vehemently denies all charges, dismissing them as politically motivated.


The verdict, delivered by a special court within Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, also sentenced former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, vice-chairman of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, to 10 years in prison. This ruling comes just a week before the general elections, in which Khan is barred from standing.


The case, known as the cipher case, revolves around the alleged leaking of secret diplomatic correspondence sent by Pakistan's ambassador in Washington to Islamabad during Khan's prime ministership. The incident occurred at a rally in March 2022, a month before Khan was ousted from power through a parliamentary vote of no confidence.


In response to the verdict, Khan urged the public to "take revenge with your vote" on February 8, emphasizing the need for peaceful action. The PTI party has vowed to challenge the ruling, denouncing it as a mockery of justice.


The timing of the sentencing, just ahead of the elections, raises questions about the credibility of the upcoming vote. The PTI has faced a crackdown, with many of its leaders behind bars or defecting. The party has also been stripped of its cricket bat symbol, a crucial element in a country with low literacy rates for voters to mark their ballots.


Meanwhile, an explosion at a PTI political rally in Balochistan province resulted in four deaths and five injuries. Investigations are ongoing, and it remains unclear who planted the explosive device.


As the political landscape in Pakistan undergoes a seismic shift, the elections, once seen as a contest, now appear clouded with uncertainties, with three-time former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif emerging as a favoured candidate.


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