Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, stated on Thursday that the government would not object if the judiciary decides to release Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
This statement comes as PTI prepares for a nationwide protest movement following Eidul Fitr, aimed at challenging what the party claims was a “stolen mandate.” The protest drive also seeks to uphold the rule of law, constitutional supremacy, and the release of political prisoners.
Additionally, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman recently announced plans to protest against the federal government’s policies after Eid, aligning with PTI on this issue.
Speaking to journalists, the prime minister’s aide clarified that Khan remains incarcerated due to convictions in multiple cases.
The 71-year-old former prime minister has been behind bars since August 2023, facing charges ranging from corruption to terrorism following his removal from office through a no-confidence motion in April 2022.
Strengthening Security in KP
Commenting on the recent in-camera meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Sanaullah revealed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was advised to enhance the capabilities of the police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) amid escalating security threats.
The meeting, convened by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, focused on the rising incidents of terrorism, particularly in KP and Balochistan.
While key opposition leader Omar Ayub and PTI members boycotted the meeting, Gandapur participated as the representative of KP.
Key Cases Against Imran Khan
Cipher Case
In March 2022, Khan claimed during a public rally that a diplomatic document, or “cipher,” proved foreign involvement in his removal from office. He later accused the United States of orchestrating a conspiracy against him.
In August 2023, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) registered a case against Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi under the Official Secrets Act. A special court sentenced both to 10 years in prison, but the Islamabad High Court overturned their convictions in June 2024.
Iddat Case
In February 2024, a trial court sentenced Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to seven years in prison and fined them Rs500,000 each after ruling that their marriage was fraudulent. The case was initiated by Bushra’s former husband, Khawar Maneka.
However, a district court later annulled their convictions, ordering their release if no other cases required their detention.
GHQ Attack Case
Khan faces multiple cases related to the violent protests on May 9, 2023, which erupted after his arrest in the £190 million settlement case. The demonstrations saw attacks on civilian and military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military labeled the day as “Black Day” and vowed to try those responsible under the Army Act.
Khan, however, denies his party’s involvement, alleging that government agencies were behind the violence.
Toshakhana Case
Khan was accused of illegally acquiring and selling state gifts worth over Rs140 million during his tenure as prime minister from 2018 to 2022. These included luxury watches, particularly a Master Graff timepiece valued at Rs85 million.
The Election Commission of Pakistan found him guilty of corrupt practices and disqualified him from holding public office. In July 2024, an accountability court sentenced him and his wife to 14 years in prison, imposed fines of Rs1.57 billion, and extended his disqualification for a decade.
£190 Million Al-Qadir Trust Case
In January 2025, an accountability court convicted Khan and Bushra Bibi in a case related to the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust scandal. Khan received a 14-year sentence, while his wife was given seven years. Both were also fined, with additional prison time in case of non-payment.
