A court in Pakistan has delivered a significant verdict, sentencing former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years in prison. The ruling, handed down on December 20, 2025, relates to a long-standing corruption case and marks a major escalation in the legal troubles facing the ousted leader.
Details of the Court's Ruling
The sentencing was announced in the morning hours of Friday, December 20, 2025. The case, often referred to as a "graft" or corruption case, centers on allegations of illicit dealings. The court found both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi guilty, imposing identical prison terms. This verdict is one of several legal battles the former cricket star turned politician is fighting since his removal from office.
Mounting Legal Challenges for Khan
This 17-year sentence adds to a series of convictions and charges against Imran Khan. The former prime minister has been entangled in numerous court cases, which he and his supporters allege are politically motivated attempts to sideline him and his party from the country's political landscape. The latest ruling is expected to further complicate any potential return to power for Khan, who remains a popular yet polarizing figure in Pakistani politics.
The case has drawn intense domestic and international scrutiny, highlighting the ongoing political instability and judicial controversies in Pakistan. The sentencing of a former head of state and his spouse is a rare and severe development in the nation's recent history.
Context and Immediate Reactions
The verdict comes amidst a charged political environment. Khan's party has previously decried the judicial proceedings as a sham, orchestrated by his political rivals. Security was heightened around the court premises ahead of the announcement, anticipating potential unrest from Khan's supporters.
Legal experts note that the defense is likely to appeal the decision in a higher court, a process that could prolong the final outcome for months or even years. The immediate consequence, however, is a significant lengthening of the prison time Khan is already serving from previous convictions.
The Associated Press reported the news, noting the date and essential facts of the case. The file photograph referenced in the original report shows Khan and Bushra Bibi at the Lahore High Court in July 2023, a time when they were navigating the bail process for other charges.
