Iran Press/Asia: The verdict marks a significant escalation in the legal and political troubles faced by the cricket star-turned-politician, whose political career has been marred by controversy since his removal from office in 2022.
Judge Nasir Javed Rana delivered the ruling in a makeshift courtroom within Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where Khan has been detained since August 2023. Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, was also convicted in the case, receiving a seven-year prison term.
"The prosecution has proven its case. Khan is convicted," the judge stated, imposing fines of 1 million rupees ($3,500) on Khan and half that amount on Bushra Bibi. The couple are accused of accepting land as a bribe from a real estate tycoon in exchange for laundering $240 million during Khan's premiership.
The court ordered the confiscation of the property linked to the "Sham al-Qadir University Project Trust," declaring it forfeited to the federal government under Pakistan’s National Accountability Ordinance of 1999.
Khan, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claims the charges are part of a politically motivated campaign to sideline him ahead of the next general election.
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