Court Overturns Convictions of Imran Khan and His Wife, Supporters Celebrate in Pakistan
The Pakistani court’s decision to overturn the convictions and seven-year sentences of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife has caused a stir in the country. Supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party gathered near the prison where he was being held in anticipation of his release, only to be disappointed when authorities re-arrested him shortly after the ruling.
The acquittal was related to the legality of Khan and his wife’s 2018 marriage, which had been a lingering legal issue for the couple. However, Khan’s troubles are far from over as he was arrested again in connection to riots last year, while his wife, Bushra Bibi, is also facing arrest in a corruption case.
Since his ousting from power in 2022, Khan has been embroiled in more than 150 legal cases, including charges of inciting violence. The United Nations human rights working group has called for his immediate release, stating that he has been detained arbitrarily.
Despite being acquitted in several cases related to last year’s violence, Khan’s legal battles continue. His party plans to seek bail for him as they navigate the complex political landscape in Pakistan. The recent ruling by the Supreme Court that Khan’s party was denied seats in parliament has added another layer of complexity to the situation, but it remains to be seen how this will impact the country’s political future.