Pakistan: Imran Khan, wife sentenced for ‘un-Islamic’ marriage

In Pakistan, a local court has issued a seven-year prison sentence to Imran Khan, the former prime minister, and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in a case deemed “un-Islamic” concerning their marriage. This comes after both were separately handed 14-year sentences in a corruption case related to the illegal sale of state gifts known as Toshakhana. The verdict on the “un-Islamic marriage case” was delivered on Saturday based on a complaint filed by Bushra Bibi’s former husband.

This marks the third sentence within a week for Khan, who has been held in Rawalpindi prison since August, facing over 100 charges. Khan asserted that the “iddat” case, involving not waiting 40 days to remarry after Bibi’s divorce, was orchestrated to “humiliate and disgrace” him and his wife, emphasizing its unprecedented nature in history.

The timing of these convictions, just days before the scheduled general election on February 8, is noteworthy. While Khan is barred from running in the election, he retains popularity among voters. Observers, including civil society, experts, and analysts, have criticized the verdicts. Journalist Hamid Mir labeled the decision “disgraceful for the judiciary,” while legal expert Reema Umer described the proceedings as a “damning blot” on the justice system.

Imran Khan, who was ousted from power in 2022 through a constitutional vote of no confidence, maintains that the charges against him are politically motivated and denies any wrongdoing. Post-ouster, he has openly criticized the military, previously instrumental in bringing him to power, alleging personal grudges against him. Khan’s party leaders have faced imprisonment or parted ways, and party workers have experienced a severe crackdown, with accusations of limited campaign opportunities and arrests impeding their preparations for the upcoming elections.

Syed Zulfikar Bukhari, a close aide to Khan, dismissed the latest conviction as a fake case, emphasizing the trivialization of politics to personal matters like marriage and divorce. The situation underscores the complex political landscape in Pakistan, marked by legal battles, power struggles, and allegations of interference in political affairs.

As the legal battles and political tensions intensify, the situation in Pakistan reflects a broader struggle between political forces, the judiciary, and the military. Imran Khan, despite his ousting in 2022, continues to wield influence and remains a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, garnering significant support among the populace.

The series of convictions against Khan and his wife have drawn widespread criticism from civil society, journalists, and legal experts who view them as politically motivated and detrimental to the credibility of the judiciary. The timing, just ahead of the general election, raises concerns about the potential impact on the political landscape, even though Khan is disqualified from running.

Khan’s post-ouster stance against the military, accusing them of personal grudges and interference, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The military’s historical involvement in Pakistani politics has been a contentious issue, and Khan’s vocal criticism marks a departure from his earlier alignment with the military.

The crackdown on Khan’s party leaders and workers, along with allegations of limited campaign opportunities, highlights the challenges faced by political opposition in a charged political environment. The focus on personal matters, such as Khan’s marriage and divorce, underscores the contentious nature of politics in Pakistan and the potential diversion from substantive policy discussions.

As the country approaches the general election, the tensions and uncertainties surrounding the political landscape may impact the democratic process. The role of the judiciary, military, and political actors will be closely scrutinized both domestically and internationally. The need for a transparent, fair, and impartial electoral process is crucial to maintaining stability and public trust in Pakistan’s democratic institutions.

The international community will likely monitor developments closely, urging adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law. The outcome of the upcoming election and the resolution of legal challenges against political figures like Imran Khan will significantly shape the trajectory of Pakistan’s political future.