Pakistan Supreme Court refuses to stay former PM Imran Khan corruption case News
Public Domain / Voice of America
Pakistan Supreme Court refuses to stay former PM Imran Khan corruption case

The Supreme Court of Pakistan, on Wednesday, rejected former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s request to halt his prosecution in a case regarding wealth concealment after selling state gifts. Khan’s attorney dismissed the allegations insulating that the justices are “rushing” the case.

The Election Commission disqualified Khan on October 2022, from holding public office for 5 years, on charges of not correctly disclosing his assets after selling state gifts received from foreign dignitaries and heads of state since coming to power in 2018. Khan was expelled from the National Assembly under a decision made by the nation’s election oversight agency last year.

The latest court ruling is another blow to the former prime minister, who is embattled in multiple legal disputes. More than 120 legal cases have been filed against Khan since his ouster in a no-confidence vote in the parliament in 2022. These cases include accusations such as murder, blasphemy, corruption, terrorism and inciting violence against the government. Khan was arrested in May, however, the Supreme Court ruled the arrest “unlawful.”

General elections are scheduled in Pakistan in October. Khan’s trial will resume on Thursday at a court in the capital, Islamabad.

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