Imran Khan received a huge relief after his conviction was suspended in the Toshakhana case. However, his legal woes are far from over as the former prime was arrested in the missing cypher case.
The decision to suspend the conviction in the Toshakhana case pertaining to selling state gifts was expected as it was announced in haste. The judge who delivered the verdict was on the receiving by PTI supporters and even the superior judiciary who found “procedural flaws” in the decision. The much-anticipated verdict was announced to suspend the sentence and release him.
The PTI chief didn’t even see the clear sky before he was detained in jail where he has been imprisoned since August 5. This time, he has been arrested in the cypher case pertaining to a diplomatic cable which the PTI chief claimed was a conspiracy to oust him from power. The case was registered against the controversial Official Secrets Act, 2023, and a special court has been formed to hear the case. Former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is also being tried for the case.
Imran Khan is facing over 150 cases including terrorism, sedition, and damaging public property. The authorities are hell-bent on disqualifying or jailing him, in an attempt to prevent him from returning to power. The PTI is now a shell of its former self as several top leaders parted ways or have been jailed. Thousands of supporters are in jail and the media has been muzzled. Yet, it is believed the PTI might make some gains in the next elections.
The next general elections, however, are not on the horizon. The ECP will take its time in analyzing census results, forming new constituencies and electoral rolls. As elections are unlikely to be held anytime soon, it seems that state authorities have focused their efforts against the PTI chief. He refuses to budge and says the struggle is much greater than himself.
A recent report has found that political instability affects three percent of the nation’s GDP. If we end the political crisis, we can move towards improving our economy. This cannot be done without bringing Imran Khan back into mainstream politics. Alas, we have learned nothing from history and the nation is still being pulled into a deeper quagmire.
