- Imran Khan sentenced 10 years
- Leaked classified US-Pakistani cable
- Ineligible for upcoming elections
Allegedly, Imran Khan disclosed to the Islamabad government the contents of a classified cable sent by the Pakistani ambassador to the United States.
Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for leaking state secrets.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Khan’s former Foreign Minister, also received a ten-year sentence concerning the case.
Khan is accused of revealing the contents of a classified communication from the Pakistani ambassador in Washington to the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Islamabad by waving the cable at a rally.
Khan claimed the cable provided evidence of a US-Pakistani military and government conspiracy to overthrow his government in 2022, following his visit to Moscow just before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
He had previously stated that other sources had reported the cable’s contents in the media.
Both the Pakistani and American militaries have denied Khan’s claims.
Described as a “sham case” by Khan’s party, they announced plans to challenge the ruling made by a special court judge at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
Following the sentencing, Khan’s lawyer, Naeem Panjutha, stated on social media platform X, “We do not accept this illegal decision.”
Khan cannot run in the February 8 elections due to his sentence.
Khan, a former cricketer turned politician, was ousted as Prime Minister in April 2022 through a vote of no confidence.
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In August 2023, the 71-year-old founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was jailed on corruption charges, which he claimed were politically motivated.
His conviction prevents him from participating in the country’s general elections next week.
Despite his corruption conviction being suspended for appeal, he remains in captivity awaiting state secrets trial.
Since Khan’s incarceration a year ago, Pakistan has cracked down on his party and supporters.
