Authorities in Pakistan have sentenced 108 members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, for their involvement in last year’s protests against the military.
Violent Protests Followed Khan’s Arrest in 2023
The unrest erupted nationwide in May 2023 after Khan was detained during a court appearance on corruption charges. His supporters clashed fiercely with security forces, attacking government and military sites, resulting in at least ten deaths.
Major Blow to PTI Leadership with Key Sentences and Disqualifications
Among those sentenced is opposition figure Omar Ayub Khan, handed a 10-year prison term. In total, six PTI lawmakers were also disqualified from their parliamentary seats, marking a serious setback for the party.
Opposition Decries Verdicts as Political Repression
PTI condemned the rulings as unprecedented and politically motivated, accusing the judiciary of punishing politicians for their loyalty to Khan rather than for actual crimes. The party vows to appeal the sentences.
Democracy Concerns Raised Amid Crackdown
Khan’s media advisor Zulfi Bukhari described the verdicts as “a black day for democracy,” warning that the continued convictions of opposition leaders jeopardize Pakistan’s fragile democratic system.
Imran Khan Remains Influential Despite Imprisonment
Khan, imprisoned since August 2023, still commands strong support across Pakistan. He faces more than 150 charges, including terrorism and leaking state secrets, which he and his allies say are politically motivated.
Aftermath of 2023 Clashes Still Reverberates Politically
The violent demonstrations triggered by Khan’s arrest sparked a harsh crackdown on PTI, and despite independent candidates linked to PTI winning the most seats in the 2024 National Assembly elections, they were blocked from forming a government.
Ongoing Struggle Between Military and Opposition Shapes Pakistan’s Future
The latest crackdown reflects deeper tensions between the military-backed government and Khan’s resilient political movement, with Pakistan’s democratic institutions under increasing strain.