Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years in New Pakistan Graft Case

A Pakistani anti-graft court has sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan to 17 years in prison in a fresh corruption case linked to his time in office, marking another major legal setback for the jailed leader, Dawn reported. The court also handed the same sentence to his wife, Bushra Bibi.

Special Judge Shahrukh Arjumand delivered the verdict at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, awarding Khan the maximum punishment for illegally undervaluing and retaining expensive gifts from the national treasury while serving as prime minister. Khan has been in prison since 2023.

Luxury gifts under scrutiny

The case centres on allegations that Khan and Bushra Bibi unlawfully acquired high-value gifts received during Khan’s tenure. According to prosecutors, a Bulgari jewellery set gifted in May 2021 was purchased at a significantly undervalued price in violation of state rules, Dawn reported.

Prison terms and fines

Under the ruling, Khan received a combined 17-year sentence, comprising 10 years for criminal breach of trust and seven years for misconduct under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Bushra Bibi was sentenced to 17 years under the same provisions.

Both were fined Rs16.4 million, with the court warning that failure to pay could result in additional jail time. The judge noted Khan’s age and Bushra Bibi’s gender in taking a “lenient view in awarding lesser punishment,” according to the court order cited by Dawn.

Defence rejects charges

Indicted in December 2024, Khan and Bushra Bibi denied all allegations, describing the case as “malicious, fabricated, and politically engineered,” Dawn reported. Khan maintained that the gifts were declared to the Prime Minister’s Office protocol section and lawfully retained under the Toshakhana Policy 2018.

PTI criticism and wider legal context

Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party condemned the proceedings as a “kangaroo court,” objecting to the closed-door trial and alleging that family members, including Khan’s sister Aleema, were barred from attending the hearing.

The latest conviction adds to Khan’s mounting legal troubles. He is already serving a 14-year sentence in a separate £190 million corruption case and faces additional proceedings under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Bushra Bibi is also serving a seven-year sentence in the same corruption case.

Appeal expected

Legal teams for both Khan and Bushra Bibi are expected to challenge the verdict in a higher court, signalling that the high-profile legal battle is set to continue, Dawn reported.