Imran Khan gets 10-year jail term for leaking state secrets in Pakistan’s controversial “Cipher Case”

In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s political landscape, former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to 10 years in prison today. The verdict, delivered by a special court, comes in the highly-charged “Cipher Case,” where Khan was accused of leaking classified diplomatic documents. The case hinges on a cipher, a diplomatic cable allegedly containing details of a US official’s alleged threat to topple Khan’s government.

Khan’s fate was sealed within the confines of a special court nestled within the jail walls where he has been held since August. The trial itself, shrouded in secrecy, was off-limits to international media. Local reports suggest the judge presiding over the case faced intense pressure to expedite the proceedings, adding to the already fraught atmosphere. Khan’s defense vehemently maintains that the trial was a sham.

The prosecution has argued that Khan’s actions jeopardized national security and compromised sensitive diplomatic channels. They presented testimonies from officials and forensic experts, claiming the leaked documents were indeed classified.

PTI to contest the verdict

The verdict has sparked widespread protests and anger among Khan’s supporters. It casts a shadow over the upcoming general elections, scheduled for February 2024, where Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is expected to mount a strong challenge. PTI has gone so far as to call the verdict a mockery and has said that it will contest the decision.

Whether the verdict stands or is overturned through appeals, it is certain to have a lasting impact on Pakistani politics. The “Cipher Case” has become a potent symbol of the deep divisions within the country and the struggle for power between its various factions. The coming months will be crucial in determining how this saga unfolds and what it ultimately means for the future of Pakistan’s fragile democracy.

Meanwhile, Khan’s supporters, already aggrieved by his ouster from power earlier, have erupted in anger and streets across Pakistan are sure to throb with protests and rallies in the coming days. Dozens of people were arrested just yesterday, even before the verdict was announced which goes to show just how intense the country’s immediate future will be.