Pakistan’s former prime minister and most popular politician, Imran Khan, could face a 14-year prison term this month in a corruption case linked to the Al-Qadir Trust, a welfare foundation he established with his wife. Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), claims the charges are part of an effort to silence him and neutralize his influence ahead of upcoming elections.
Khan, who has been in custody since August 2023, has consistently maintained that the numerous legal cases against him are politically motivated. The Al-Qadir Trust case, which has seen multiple delays, is the longest-running of these cases. A verdict was postponed again on Monday, prompting Khan to issue a statement via social media calling for its resolution.
“The Al-Qadir Trust case, like previous cases, is being dragged on only to pressure me,” Khan said, reiterating his refusal to negotiate or accept any deals to remain silent.
Military Involvement and Political Bargains
Political analysts suggest Pakistan’s powerful military is using the potential sentence as leverage over Khan, whose popularity challenges the coalition government that took power after the February 2024 elections. The military, often described as Pakistan’s kingmakers, denies interfering in politics but has faced criticism for its role in shaping the country’s leadership.
Ayesha Siddiqa, a London-based expert on Pakistan’s military, noted that the establishment’s strategy appears to involve offering Khan conditional relief in exchange for political quietude until the next elections. Khan, however, has publicly rejected such overtures, including proposals for exile or house arrest.
“We can assume from the delays that this is a politically motivated judgment. It is a Damocles sword over him,” said Faisal Fareed Chaudhry, Khan’s legal adviser.
Escalating Tensions
The looming verdict comes as government officials prepare to meet PTI leaders in an attempt to ease political tensions. The PTI has so far refused talks with the coalition government, which it accuses of rigging the February 2024 elections. PTI demands include the release of political prisoners and an independent investigation into the government’s handling of protests, including the deaths of at least 10 activists during November demonstrations.
Analysts believe the government may attempt to offer concessions to PTI to address both domestic and international criticism. However, entrenched demands on both sides make a resolution unlikely.
“The army might be willing to give Khan a deal that gets him out of jail, but Khan wouldn’t accept the likely conditions of his freedom,” said Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at The Wilson Center.
Khan’s refusal to compromise is consistent with his political identity as a challenger to Pakistan’s dynastic politics. In a statement shared by his lawyers, Khan declared, “I will live and die in Pakistan. I will fight for my country’s freedom until my last breath, and I expect my nation to do the same.”
