Contents
It is the harshest sentence to date against the widely accused former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan: ten years in prison for revealing state secrets. The former foreign minister was also punished. It is probably no coincidence that the verdict was handed down shortly before the national election.
As a result of the verdict, which was passed behind closed doors, Imran Khan, still Pakistan’s most popular politician, will not be allowed to run in elections for five years, including the upcoming election in ten days.
Doubts about the special court
Political analysts question the independence of the judges of the special court. They suspect that the verdict is another attempt to influence the election in the interests of Khan’s opponents and to finally disillusion Khan’s many supporters.
Because many of them still dream of a return of the former cricket superstar to the political stage – even though Khan was not particularly successful during his three and a half years in office.
Unlikely to return
But a return of the popular figure is now almost impossible. Khan’s opponents, backed by the powerful military, have left no stone unturned to silence him politically.
Since the ex-prime minister was removed from office in a vote of no confidence almost two years ago, more than 100 lawsuits have been pending against him. A few months ago, the 71-year-old was convicted of corruption.
The government also jailed numerous followers who demonstrated for him in recent months. In addition, Khan’s party PTI is not allowed to compete directly in the elections, which minimizes its chances.
No real alternative
And yet it could still backfire. All measures to stop Khan have so far had no effect on his popularity – on the contrary.
Legend:
A supporter of imprisoned ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan protests for his release in the Pakistani metropolis of Karachi on January 28, 2024.
Keystone/EPA/
Polls show Khan is still well ahead of his main rival, Nawaz Sharif of the Muslim League. The former three-time prime minister was also already in prison for corruption. Sharif embodies the old political elite, of which many are fed up.
Not a good omen for the next government
The renewed blow against Imran Khan could deter many Pakistanis from going to the polls – and thus question the credibility of the election and the next government.
But a lack of credibility leads to political instability. And that’s not something the next government needs. She is expected to lead heavily indebted Pakistan out of its deep economic crisis. Since today’s verdict, many Pakistanis may have finally lost hope.
Maren Peters
South Asia correspondent