It was another landmark day in Pakistan’s checkered political history when PTI chairman Imran Khan was sentenced and arrested in a hasty trial for allegedly selling state gifts. Just days before the government completes its tenure, the court announced a swift verdict disqualifying the former prime minister for five years and taking him out of the political arena.
The manner in which the verdict was handed over has already cast doubts on the case. The court was supposed to issue a verdict on the maintainability of the criminal proceedings in the Toshakhana case but ruled the PTI chief lost the right to defence for non-appearance. He was sentenced to three years imprisonment, fined and disqualified.
The presence of the police outside Imran Khan’s residence even before the verdict was announced has cast even more doubt on the verdict. Within minutes after the verdict was announced, the PTI chief was whisked away to the airport before boarding a jet to Islamabad. The PTI has said the verdict was already predetermined and planned by the state to bring a level-playing field.
The decision is not entirely surprising though. Banished from the local media to dent his popularity, the PTI chief has been claiming repeatedly that the government and establishment wants to see him jailed or imprisoned, or both. A day ago, he expressed concerns that be might be arrested anytime as the state forces were out to get him by unleashing brutal repression.
The PTI chief is facing a flurry of different cases and has been running from pillar to post seeking bail or attending hearings. The most significant was the Toshskahana case in which he has been sentenced. However, it is rather concerning that the trial proceedings were not held and witnesses did not appear. The PTI chief raised concerns about the judge’s bias citing controversial Facebook posts but rather than declaring a mistrial or the judge rescuing himself, the court hurriedly issued a verdict.
It must be remembered that Imran Khan’s popularity will not be dented by his sentencing. He may be out for now but he will live to play another innings. The court’s verdict will be another example of the judiciary being used in political conflicts. Imran Khan’s sentencing has further aggravated the political crisis which shows no sign of abating anytime soon.
