In a shocking turn of events, Pakistani ex-prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been jailed for seven years after their marriage was deemed invalid by a Pakistani court. This latest sentence adds to the list of legal troubles facing Khan, who is already serving time for corruption charges.
The court ruled that Khan’s marriage with Bibi, a faith healer, was un-Islamic and illegal according to Muslim family law. Under this law, women are prohibited from remarrying for a certain period of time after divorce or the death of their husband. In Bibi’s case, the court found that she had remarried before the completion of this stipulated time, leading to the invalidation of her marriage with Khan.
The complaint against Khan and Bibi was filed by Bibi’s ex-husband, who alleged that their marriage was fraudulent. This revelation has further complicated the already complex legal situation surrounding Khan, who has repeatedly claimed that the multiple cases against him are politically motivated.
It is worth noting that Bibi is Khan’s third wife. His first marriage, to British socialite Jemima Goldsmith, lasted nine years and produced two sons. His second marriage, to journalist and former BBC weather presenter Reham Khan, ended in less than a year. The marriage to Bibi took place in 2018, just months before Khan was elected as the prime minister of Pakistan.
Alongside the seven-year jail sentence, both Khan and Bibi have been fined 500,000 rupees ($1,800; £1,420) by the court. This punishment adds to Khan’s growing list of prison sentences, as he had already been jailed earlier in the week for leaking classified documents and for profiting from state gifts.
The timing of these legal troubles is particularly significant, as Pakistan is scheduled to hold a general election in the near future. Many observers have raised concerns about the credibility of the upcoming election, as Khan and his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have faced significant obstacles in their campaigning efforts.
Critics argue that Khan and PTI have been sidelined, with many party leaders being held in custody or defecting to other political parties. Thousands of PTI supporters were arrested during protests following Khan’s initial arrest last year, creating a contentious environment leading up to the election.
Despite these challenges, Khan’s main opponent in the upcoming election, former three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif, faces his own troubles. Sharif was jailed for corruption ahead of the 2018 election, which Khan ultimately won. Many analysts believe that Sharif now benefits from the support of Pakistan’s powerful military establishment, increasing his chances of winning the election.
As the news of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s imprisonment spreads, it is crucial for the public to be aware of the complex legal issues at hand. While the cases against Khan have drawn allegations of political motivation, it is important to let the legal process unfold and ensure that it is conducted fairly and transparently.
The outcome of the upcoming general election in Pakistan will have significant implications for the country’s future. It is essential for the citizens to stay informed, actively participate in the democratic process, and make their voices heard through their votes. Only with a fair and credible election can Pakistan move forward towards a more stable and prosperous future.
