Following a trial court’s conviction on charges of illegally selling state gifts, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, was apprehended by the police in Lahore. The court sentenced him to three years in prison for misusing his position as prime minister during the period from 2018 to 2022. This misuse involved trading state-owned gifts acquired during foreign visits, amounting to over 140 million Pakistani rupees ($635,000).
According to Pakistani media, Judge Humayun Dilawar declared Khan’s involvement in corrupt practices as proven. Along with the prison term, the verdict also imposed a fine of 100,000 rupees ($355), which, if unpaid, could lead to an additional six months of incarceration.
Read more : Ex-PM Imran Khan Arrested in Toshakhana case
Khan’s lawyer, Intezar Panjotha, revealed that the former prime minister was arrested at his residence and they plan to challenge the court’s decision in the high court through a petition.
Prior to his arrest, Khan recorded a video message and shared it on the social media platform X (previously known as Twitter), urging his supporters to protest on the streets. In the video, he emphasized that his struggle was not just for himself but for the betterment of the nation and its future generations. He called upon his followers to stand up for their rights and warned against remaining passive, as it would lead to a life of servitude.
The news of Khan’s arrest has drawn strong reactions from many Pakistani celebrities, with Azeka Daniel expressing her outrage, stating, “What a sad news for Pakistan today, Khan Sahab arrested again. Rest in Peace democracy, law & order.”
What a sad news for Pakistan today, Khan Sahab arrested again.
Rest in Peace democracy,law & order.#chairmanPTI #ImranKhanForPakistan— Azekah Daniel (@azekahdaniel1) August 5, 2023
Armeena Rana Khan sent her prayers to the former Prime Minister saying, “Khan sahib stay strong, this too shall pass. All decent humans will pray for you today.”
Khan sahib stay strong, this too shall pass. All decent humans will pray for you today. 🤲🏽
— Armeena ✨ (@ArmeenaRK) August 5, 2023
Ducky Bhai, a well-known YouTuber, shared an intriguing viewpoint. “Through my extensive travels, I have come to the realization that Pakistan is, without a doubt, the best country,” he stated openly. However, it is hampered by the presence of inept politicians and a lack of long-term planning.”
https://twitter.com/duckybhai/status/1687359201528389633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1687359201528389633%7Ctwgr%5E04022333d2a10c1bbf83d7e240ea02db2ad4bcc8%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.dailypakistan.com.pk%2F05-Aug-2023%2Fpakistani-celebs-express-outrage-over-imran-khan-s-arrest