Why is Pakistan’s former PM Imran Khan in jail?

Security officers escort Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan, as he appeared in Islamabad High Court, Islamabad, Pakistan May 12, 2023. (REUTERS/File)
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Updated 27 November 2024
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Why is Pakistan’s former PM Imran Khan in jail?

  • Khan first arrested in May 2023 over allegations he received a land bribe through a trust created when he was in office 
  • Khan, now in jail since August 2023, also faces charges of terrorism and is accused of revealing state secrets 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s capital Islamabad was gripped by violence on Tuesday as protesters demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan clashed with security forces near the parliament.

Here is a look at some of the allegations against the 72-year-old cricketer-turned-politician — named in dozens of cases since he left office in 2022 — that have kept him behind bars for more than a year.

GRAFT ALLEGATIONS

Khan was first arrested in May 2023 in relation to allegations that his wife, Bushra Bibi, and he received land worth up to 7 billion rupees ($25 million) as a bribe through a trust created in 2018, while he still held office.
His Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has maintained the land was donated for charitable purposes.
Khan was released on bail after three days in prison, during which his supporters attacked and set fire to military and other state installations, with eight people killed in the violence.

ABETTING VIOLENCE

Khan is facing anti-terrorism charges in connection with the violence that followed his arrest in May last year, and in relation to which several of his supporters have already been sentenced.
PTI said in July that authorities had issued fresh arrest warrants for him in three different cases related to the clashes.

STATE SECRETS

Khan was accused of making public a classified cable sent to Islamabad by Pakistan’s ambassador in Washington in 2022, while he still held office.
He was acquitted in the case in June.

UNLAWFUL MARRIAGE

Khan and his wife were accused of breaking Islamic law by failing to observe the mandated waiting period between Bibi’s divorce from her previous husband and their marriage in 2018 .
 


Pakistan beat UAE to secure semifinal berth in U-19 Asia Cup

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Pakistan beat UAE to secure semifinal berth in U-19 Asia Cup

  • Pakistan scored a total of 241 runs, dismiss UAE for 171 in 37.5 overs
  • Final match of ACC Men’s U19 tournament will be played on Dec. 21

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team advanced to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Men’s semifinals on Tuesday after defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 70 runs in Dubai, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.

Batting first, Pakistan posted 241 for the loss of nine wickets after opting to bat first at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Academy Ground. 

Ahmed Hussain, in his 65-run knock, smashed four boundaries while Sameer Minhas scored 44. Wicketkeeper-batter Hamza made 42 runs to help Pakistan score 241-9 after 50 overs. 

“Today’s win secured Pakistan U19 a place in the semifinals of the tournament after winning two of their group matches,” the PCB said in a statement.

“They will face the top side of Group ‘B’ on Friday, 19 December.”

UAE’s Yug Sharma picked three wickets while Naseem Khan bagged two. UAE were dismissed by 171 in 37.5 overs despite a half-century by Ayaan Misbah, who scored 77 off 74 balls that included four boundaries.

Pakistan’s right-arm pacer Abdul Subhan, who was awarded the Player of the Match award, led the bowling attack and clinched four wickets for 31. 

Right-arm leg spinner Ahmed, Mohammad Sayyam and Momin Qamar picked a wicket each.

The tournament underway from Dec. 12 features eight teams competing in a 50‑over format across group and knockout stages.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi‑finals on Dec. 19.

The final will be played on Dec. 21.