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What lies ahead for Pakistan’s Imran Khan convicted over graft

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan speaks with Reuters during an interview, in Lahore, Pakistan March 17, 2023. (REUTERS/File)
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Updated 08 August 2023
Reuters
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What lies ahead for Pakistan’s Imran Khan convicted over graft

  • As a convict, Khan faces being excluded from the next general election due by November
  • Theoretically, if conviction was suspended, Khan could still be eligible to contest polls
Updated 08 August 2023
Reuters

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan, convicted in a graft case, has been jailed for three years in a fresh setback to the 70-year-old former cricket hero’s political career.

Khan, Pakistan’s main opposition leader, faces a long legal battle to save his political career ahead of a national election expected later this year.

Here are the key questions about his future:

IS KHAN’S POLITICAL CAREER OVER?

The law says such a conviction carries a disqualification from holding public office, the length of which will be decided by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Legally, that could be a maximum of five years starting from the conviction date. But the Supreme Court could impose a life ban if it ruled that he was guilty of dishonesty and so could not meet the constitutional requirement for public office holders to be “truthful” and “honest.” Such a ruling was made against three-times Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in 2018.

In either case, Khan faces being excluded from the next general election due by November.

Compounding his woes is his continuing standoff with the country’s powerful military, whose support is key for anyone vying to rule the country of 241 million people. Khan accuses the military of being behind his ouster and a crackdown on him and his party.

The military denies this, but his rhetoric targeting the military and its top brass has not eased.

Nevertheless, Pakistani political history contains a string of examples of leaders who have gone to jail and emerged more popular on their release — both Nawaz Sharif and his brother Shehbaz, the current prime minister, spent time in prison on corruption charges before being returned to power, as did former President Asif Ali Zardari.

WHAT ARE KHAN’S LEGAL RECOURSES?

Khan’s lawyers will contest the conviction in higher courts and there are still two stages of appeal left for him, up to the Supreme Court. Khan could get some respite if his sentence was suspended while his appeals are fought.

Theoretically, if the conviction was suspended, Khan could still be eligible to contest the next election.

The decision to convict Khan has come in for criticism from bar associations, who say it was done in haste and he was not allowed to present his witnesses. The court said Khan’s legal team witnesses were not relevant to the case.

The court had expedited the trial after Khan refused to appear before it for months despite being summoned repeatedly.

However, this is just one of more than 150 cases being prepared against him, including two major cases that are well advanced — a land fraud case and charges of abetting attacks on the military in the aftermath of his arrest in May.

He is likely to be shuttled from one court to the other as he serves the three-year jail term.

WHAT HAPPENS TO KHAN’S PARTY?

With Khan in jail his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is now being led by former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

The party was already severely hobbled by the departure of many key leaders in the aftermath of the May 9 violence and the crackdown that ensued. Some leaders and hundreds of workers remain detained.

While the party remains hugely popular, according to polls, it ran mostly on Khan’s individual charisma. Qureshi does not have such a personal following, and will be unable to match the cricket hero’s organizational capabilities.

Even after being banned from television screens, Khan kept his supporters motivated by engaging them on various social media forums such as Tiktok, Instagram, X, and, in particular, through almost daily YouTube speeches. That will no longer be available.

Analysts, however, say he could bounce back if his party’s vote holds up strongly in the election.

Topics: Ex-PM Imran Khan Ex-PM Imran Khan arrested

Pakistan cuts electric vehicle charging tariffs to spur adoption

Updated 6 sec ago
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Pakistan cuts electric vehicle charging tariffs to spur adoption

  • The government aims for 30% of vehicles to run on electricity by 2030
  • It has announced a 15-day registration process for charging stations
Updated 6 sec ago
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a 44% reduction in electricity tariffs for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on Wednesday, cutting rates from Rs71 per unit to Rs39.70 per unit, the power division said in a statement.

Pakistan has actively promoted EV adoption to combat environmental challenges, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and improve urban air quality. Under its Electric Vehicle Policy 2019-2024, the government aims for 30 percent of vehicles to run on electricity by 2030.

However, inadequate charging infrastructure, frequent power outages and the high cost of EVs have hindered progress.

“The electricity tariff for charging stations has been reduced from Rs71 to Rs39.70 per unit, marking the first time in Pakistan’s history that EV-specific rates have been lowered by 44 percent,” the statement said.

“In addition, the country’s first-ever regulations for establishing EV charging stations and battery swapping points have been implemented under the National Energy Conservation Authority, with an official gazette notification issued,” it added.

The power division highlighted the economic benefits of these measures, saying that switching motorcycles to electric technology at an average cost of Rs50,000 could save $6 billion annually on fuel.

Similarly, electrifying three-wheeled rickshaws could significantly reduce urban travel costs and help combat air pollution.

The reduced EV charging costs are also expected to lower transportation expenses, positively impacting goods delivery and essential commodity prices.

The government has decided to support these initiatives through a one-window registration process for setting up charging stations and battery points, allowing approvals within 15 days.

Registration fees have been set at Rs50,000 to encourage local and foreign investment.

The power division informed the regulations included provisions for technology neutrality and safety standards, with regular monitoring and audits to ensure compliance.

Topics: Pakistan electric vehicle (EV) EV

Pakistani PM orders cooperation with Interpol against suspects running human trafficking schemes abroad

Updated 8 min 29 sec ago
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Pakistani PM orders cooperation with Interpol against suspects running human trafficking schemes abroad

  • Illegal immigration in spotlight in Pakistan since last month after five Pakistani nationals killed in boat capsize off Greek coast 
  • In 2023, hundreds, including 262 Pakistani nationals, drowned when an overcrowded vessel sank off Greek coast
Updated 8 min 29 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday called on the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to work with international police organization Interpol for the extradition of suspects running the “heinous business of human trafficking abroad.”

The issue of illegal immigration has been in the spotlight in the South Asian nation since last month following the death of five Pakistanis when a migrant boat capsized off the southern Greek island of Gavdos. 

The tragedy, which occurred on Dec. 14, underscored the perilous journeys many migrants undertake due to military or political conflicts in their home countries or in search of better financial prospects. 

On Wednesday, Sharif presided over a review meeting to discuss progress on actions taken against human trafficking.

“Prime Minister instructed the FIA ​​to seek cooperation from Interpol for the extradition of the most wanted smugglers running the heinous business of human trafficking abroad,” the PM’s office said in a statement. 

“Ministry of Information and Broadcasting should run an effective awareness campaign about illegal foreign travel and human trafficking.”

Authorities told Sharif dozens of traffickers had been arrested in 2024 and several government officials who were found to be facilitating them had been dismissed and several more were facing disciplinary action.

“Punitive measures are being taken against government officials involved in human trafficking,” the statement added. “Assets worth over Rs 500 million of human traffickers have been seized and the process of confiscating more is underway rapidly … Special prosecutors have been appointed to prosecute human traffickers.”

In 2023, hundreds of migrants, including 262 Pakistanis, drowned when an overcrowded vessel traveling from Libya capsized and sank in international waters off the southwestern Greek coastal town of Pylos.

Topics: Pakistan Interpol anti-human trafficking

Another round of talks between Imran Khan’s party, government expected tomorrow

Updated 18 min 45 sec ago
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Another round of talks between Imran Khan’s party, government expected tomorrow

  • Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party held first round of talks with government on Dec. 23, second on Jan. 2
  • Party is demanding the release of political prisoners, judicial commission to probe allegations it led violent protests 
Updated 18 min 45 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The political party of Pakistan’s imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan will hold another round of talks tomorrow, Thursday, with the government over the release of its leader and other political activists and the formation of a judicial commission to probe accusations the party led violent protests. 

Khan’s ouster in a parliamentary vote of no-confidence in 2022 has plunged the country into long-term political crisis, particularly since the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was jailed in August last year on corruption and other charges, on which he remains behind bars. His party and supporters regularly hold protests calling for his release, with many of the demonstrations turning violent, including one in November last year in which the government says four troops were killed and the PTI says 12 of its supporters died. 

Khan had previously rejected talks with the government, saying his party would only speak to the ‘real powerbrokers’ in Pakistan, the all-powerful army, but last month he set up a negotiating committee of top party leaders to open dialogue with the government on two main demands: the release of political prisoners and the establishment of judicial commissions to investigate PTI-led protests on May 9, 2023, and Nov. 26, 2024, in which the government says his supporters engaged in violence and arson.

The first round of talks took place on Dec. 23 and the second on Jan. 2.

“We [government committee] told them [PTI] at the last meeting that if you want a judicial commission then what terms of reference do you want, do you have any conditions on who should head it, and similarly, can you give us a list of who you consider political prisoners and then we can answer whether these are political prisoners or not,” Rana Sanaullah, a senior leader of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s PML-N party, told Pakistan’s Geo News on Wednesday.

“Hopefully, at tomorrow’s [Thursday] meeting, they will give us this list and also their conditions on the judicial commission.” 

Speaking outside a sessions court in the federal capital, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan, who is also Khan’s lawyer, confirmed that another round of talks would be held with the government committee on Thursday. 

“The third session of our negotiations with the government will take place tomorrow and we will submit our written demands,” he told reporters. 

“If the government engages with sincerity and seriousness, solutions to these issues can be found. Democracy and political stability require the release and relief of political prisoners ... We hope this process will conclude soon and bring good news.”

The talks opened last month as Khan had threatened a civil dissidence movement and amid growing concerns he could face trial by a military court for allegedly inciting attacks on sensitive security installations during the May 9 protests.

The negotiations also began two days after 25 civilians were sentenced by a military court to periods of two to 10 years of “rigorous imprisonment” in connection with attacks on military facilities on May 9, 2023. Just days later on Dec. 26, another 60 civilians were sentenced by a military court to jail time ranging from 2 to 10 years in connection with the May 9 attacks.

Khan’s arrest in May 2023 in a land graft case sparked countrywide protests that saw his supporters attack and ransack military installations in an unprecedented backlash against Pakistan’s powerful army generals. Although Khan was released days later, he was rearrested in August that year after being convicted in a corruption case. He remains in prison and says all cases against him are politically motivated. 

Topics: Pakistan Imran Khan

Pakistan smoking-related deaths surpass South Asia, global averages — survey

Updated 15 January 2025
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Pakistan smoking-related deaths surpass South Asia, global averages — survey

  • Pakistan’s annual rate is 91.1 per 100,000 people, with 80% smokers expressing desire to quit
  • Average death rate for South Asia is 78.1, while the global average is 72.6 per 100,000 people
Updated 15 January 2025
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s annual smoking-related death rate of 91.1 per 100,000 people significantly exceeds both the South Asian and global averages, according to an analysis by Gallup Pakistan on Tuesday, based on the Global Burden of Disease 2024 report.
Smoking is often initiated at a young age in Pakistan, with many individuals beginning the habit during adolescence. Although laws exist to prevent the sale of cigarettes to anyone under 18 and prohibit sales near schools, enforcement remains weak.
The affordability of cigarettes further contributes to the easy accessibility of tobacco products for youth. Early initiation is additionally driven by peer pressure and the perceived glamor associated with smoking, despite restrictions on promotional activities.
“According to the Global Burden of Disease 2024, Pakistan reports an annual death rate from smoking of 91.1 per 100,000 people, notably higher than the averages for South Asia (78.1) and the rest of the world (72.6),” Gallup said.
“Between 1990 and 2021, Pakistan experienced a 35 percent relative decrease in smoking-related death rates, which is lower than the reductions achieved by India (37 percent), South Asia (38 percent), and the global average (42 percent),” it added.
Gallup also mentioned data from the World Health Organization, saying it showed that purchasing 100 packs of the most-sold cigarette brand requires 3.7 percent of the GDP per capita, significantly lower than India’s 9.8 percent and Bangladesh’s 4.2 percent.
However, cigarette affordability is still decreasing in the country, with the share of GDP per capita needed to buy 100 packs rising by 38 percent between 2012 and 2022 due to price increases.
Gallup also quoted its own 2022 opinion poll, saying 80 percent of smokers in the country expressed a desire to quit smoking.
 

Topics: Pakistan south asia Cigarettes smoking Gallup Pakistan Arab News Pakistan

Pakistan plot spin blitz as West Indies return after 19 years

Updated 15 January 2025
AFP
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Pakistan plot spin blitz as West Indies return after 19 years

  • Pakistan capitalized on home advantage when England came in October
  • West Indies last toured Pakistan in 2006, before a militant attack on visiting Sri Lanka team
Updated 15 January 2025
AFP

MULTAN, Pakistan: Pakistan will look to formidable spin duo Noman Ali and Sajid Khan to torment the visitors when the West Indies play their first Test series in the country in 19 years from Friday.

Pakistan capitalized on home advantage when England came in October, tailoring pitches for slow bowling to snap a painful winless streak with a 2-1 victory.

Noman and Sajid played starring roles and are joined in the squad by Abrar Ahmed, hinting at a three-pronged spin assault in the two-match series in Multan.

The West Indies last toured Pakistan in 2006, before a militant attack on the visiting Sri Lanka team three years later scared off international sides.

Andre Coley is in charge of a West Indies team which has won only two of its last 13 Tests before he hands over the reins to white-ball coach Daren Sammy in April.

“It’s a new series, a new opportunity,” Coley told reporters as the team arrived last week.

“When you talk about Test cricket, it’s not only the opposition’s skill that provides tests, but the different conditions, different environments and different game situations.”

Pakistan selectors delivered victory against England by taking the bold decision to drop ace batsman Babar Azam and pace pair Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah.

Left-arm spinner Noman and off-spinner Sajid shared 39 of 40 England wickets on pitches baked with patio heaters and dried with fans, clinching the series after losing the first match.

“We bounced back well against England,” said skipper Shan Masood of a series that salvaged his reputation after Pakistan lost their first six matches under his captaincy.

“With backs against the wall we did well. We need to learn how to land the first punch,” he said after his team suffered a 2-0 defeat in South Africa last week.

Azam has regained his place but Shaheen and Naseem remain out in a bid to manage their workloads.

Opener Saim Ayub is suffering from a calf injury sustained in South Africa and his partner Abdullah Shafique is dropped because of poor form, leaving the door open for the return of experienced Imam-ul-Haq.

To match Pakistan’s spin attack, the West Indies will deploy left-armers Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican, as well as Kevin Sinclair.

Kemar Roach will head the pace attack in the absence of Shamar Joseph — out with a shin injury — and Alzarri Joseph who has opted to play T20 cricket in the UAE.

The second Test starts January 25, with the series deciding which team will finish bottom of the World Test Championship table.

Pakistan currently rank eighth and the West Indies ninth and last.

South Africa and Australia have already qualified for June’s WTC final at Lord’s despite Australia’s shock loss to the West Indies in Brisbane last year.

Squads:

Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan, Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir, Sajid Khan, Salman Agha

West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Joshua Da Silva, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican

Topics: Pakistan vs West Indies Pakistan Test cricket

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