ISLAMABAD – Imprisoned former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, has appealed his conviction and three-year sentence in a graft case, according to one of his lawyers. This move adds a new layer to the ongoing political drama surrounding the prominent opposition leader and former cricket star ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections.
The 70-year-old Khan, who was ousted from office in April 2022 through a no-confidence vote, was arrested over the weekend and subsequently sentenced for allegedly concealing assets. These assets were purportedly obtained by selling state gifts he had received while in office. Khan vehemently denies the charge and maintains that he did not violate any laws.
Naeem Haider Panjutha, one of Khan’s lawyers, revealed that the appeal will be heard by the Islamabad High Court on Wednesday. Panjutha had met with Khan in the high-security Attock prison in the eastern Punjab province, where the former prime minister is being held.
Speaking to the press after filing the appeal in Islamabad, Panjutha declared that Khan’s conviction should be declared “illegal and without lawful authority.” He further requested the court to acquit Khan, arguing that his arrest was conducted unlawfully.
Simultaneously, Khan’s defense team is pursuing improved prison facilities for him, according to Panjutha.
Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party and critics have accused Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Khan’s successor, of politically victimizing the former premier. However, the government denies these allegations.
Prime Minister Sharif announced that he will step down on Wednesday, upon the conclusion of the current Parliament’s five-year term. The upcoming parliamentary elections are expected to take place in October or November. After Sharif’s departure and Parliament’s dissolution, a caretaker government will assume the responsibility of overseeing the country’s affairs until the next election.
Khan’s party is likely to provide stiff competition for Sharif’s ruling Pakistan Muslim League, although Khan himself cannot participate in the election unless his appeal is granted, leading to his release from prison.
Pakistan’s Election Commission recently disqualified Khan from running for office for five years due to his conviction and sentence. In accordance with Pakistani law, individuals with convictions are ineligible to lead a political party, stand for elections, or hold public office.
Despite the challenging conditions at Attock prison, Khan reportedly remains in good spirits and high morale, as conveyed by Panjutha. The prison, established during British colonial rule in 1905, is known for housing convicted militants and hardcore criminals during trial proceedings.
Khan, who was previously arrested on corruption charges in May, has called for mass protests since his recent sentencing. However, his attempts to rally supporters have not gained significant traction. He has also alleged that his removal from office was a conspiracy involving Washington, Prime Minister Sharif, and the Pakistani military. These allegations have been denied by all three parties involved.