Despite the charges, the couple denied their guilt. Prosecutors claimed that they declared the value of the gifts at just over 8,500 euros, while their actual market price exceeded 244,700 euros, allowing them to acquire these items at a reduced price.
Imran Khan's lawyer, Salman Safdar, stated that the defense plans to appeal the court's verdict.
According to Pakistani law, public officials may keep gifts from foreign dignitaries only if they are purchased at market value and declare income from their subsequent sale.
Khan's spokesperson, Zulfiqar Bukhari, noted that the sentence handed down on Saturday contradicts the principles of justice, adding that "criminal liability was imposed without evidence of intent, profit, or loss," and that the court's decision is based on a retrospective interpretation of the laws. Bukhari expressed the opinion that the verdict raises serious doubts about the fairness and impartiality of the entire process.
The opposition Justice Party, founded by Khan, condemned this court ruling, calling it a "dark chapter in history." The party also noted that family members of the former Prime Minister were denied the right to be present at the announcement of the verdict.
In a statement, the party asserted that "a prison court operating in closed mode is neither free nor fair; it is essentially a military court."
A senior party official, Omar Ayub, stated on his social media account X that there is a lack of rule of law in Pakistan.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, for his part, emphasized that the court issued its verdict after examining compelling evidence, noting that Khan and his wife facilitated corruption, and that the court's decision is fair.
Imran Khan, who is now 73 years old, was ousted from office in April 2022 after losing a vote of confidence in the National Assembly. Although his party is in opposition, he remains popular in the country. In the parliamentary elections held on February 8, 2024, the party performed well but failed to secure a majority of seats, claiming that the election results were falsified, which the authorities denied.
Currently, the leadership of Pakistan is carried out by Khan's main political opponent, Shahbaz Sharif. Since 2023, the former Prime Minister has been serving a sentence and during this time has been convicted in several criminal cases, receiving a number of sentences.
