Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan gets 14-year jail sentence but it won’t fix Pakistan politics

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent conviction and 14-year prison sentence mark a critical juncture in the country’s turbulent political history. Accused of corruption in a high-profile case involving illegal acquisition of land through a deal with property tycoon Malik Riaz, Khan’s sentencing further diminishes his political standing. This development not only underscores the enduring influence of Pakistan’s military establishment but also raises concerns about the country’s democratic trajectory. The accountability court verdict found Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, guilty of illegally obtaining plots of land worth billions of rupees in exchange for facilitating Riaz’s laundering of $239 million. While Khan received a 14-year sentence and a fine of 1 million Pakistani rupees, his wife was handed a seven-year sentence. The Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has condemned the sentence, labeling it a politically motivated attack. Khan has consistently dismissed the charges as a “witch hunt” orchestrated by his rivals, particularly Pakistan’s powerful military, which he accuses of engineering his ouster and imprisonment.

Khan remains one of Pakistan’s most popular leaders, with a dedicated following that views him as a symbol of resistance against entrenched corruption and military dominance. His imprisonment, however, presents significant challenges for his party and supporters. PTI’s ability to mobilise mass protests and maintain its political momentum is constrained by the increasing crackdown on its members and leaders. For Pakistan’s political system, Khan’s conviction deep crisis. It highlights the judiciary’s perceived partiality and its use as a tool to settle political scores. Moreover, the case illustrates the broader struggle between civilian leaders and the military establishment that has long dominated Pakistan’s political landscape. Despite Khan’s claims of standing against dictatorship, his tenure as prime minister (2018-2022) was marked by a close alliance with the military, which eventually soured. His falling out with the military’s top brass, particularly after accusing them of plotting his assassination, set the stage for his political downfall.The military’s role in orchestrating Khan’s ouster and subsequent legal troubles underscores its continued dominance. For decades, the military has acted as Pakistan’s ultimate power broker, influencing elections, judicial proceedings, and policy decisions. This has impeded the growth of democratic institutions in the country.  Khan’s case reaffirms that no civilian leader can challenge the military’s authority without facing severe consequences thus subverting the democracy. The implications of Khan’s conviction extend beyond his personal political future. It sets a precedent for the use of legal mechanisms to neutralise opposition and raises concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions.   

Pakistan, indeed has a long way to go on the road to democracy!