Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s legal battles continue, though recent developments have brought him closer to release. While acquitted or granted bail in several high-profile cases, the government retains the option to detain him based on pending charges.
Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, faced a contempt of court case resulting in initial seven-year prison sentences from a lower court. However, the Islamabad High Court acquitted them in July 2024.
Separately, a case alleging Khan’s disclosure of a classified document (“cipher”) led to a 10-year sentence from a lower court, overturned by the High Court in June 2024.
Two Toshakhana cases (related to undeclared gifts received during his premiership) resulted in combined sentences of 17 years (3 and 14 years respectively). One case was filed by the Election Commission, the other by a Pakistan Muslim League (N) member. These sentences, collectively referred to as the “first Toshakhana reference,” were suspended by the High Court in April 2024.
A second Toshakhana case, often referred to as “Toshakhana Two,” remained pending while Khan was incarcerated in Adiala Jail. However, the Islamabad High Court granted him bail in this case on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
Furthermore, a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) case against Khan and his wife, involving alleged financial irregularities amounting to 190 million pounds, is ongoing. Khan received bail in this case in May 2024.
While these developments place Khan technically close to release from custody, the government still possesses the legal grounds to detain him. Dozens of cases related to the May 9,incidents of violence remain pending, and the government’s decision on whether to pursue these cases and potentially rearrest Khan remains uncertain.
