In Pakistan, former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been sentenced to 17 years in prison in a corruption-related criminal case, reports "zamon.uz".

According to the verdict announced on December 20 by Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency's special court, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were found guilty of violating the law by purchasing state gifts at undervalued prices. The court ruling sentenced them to 10 years for misuse of trust and 7 years for violating anti-corruption legislation. Additionally, the couple was also imposed a hefty fine. 

This case is related to luxury watches gifted to Imran Khan by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an official visit. According to the prosecution, these gifts were considered state property, and their purchase at significantly undervalued prices, bypassing established procedures, caused a loss of several million rupees to the state treasury. 

Imran Khan has been in custody since August 2023. He was previously sentenced to 14 years in another corruption case related to land. It is reported that the new 17-year sentence will take effect after the completion of the previous sentence. 

The former prime minister's lawyers described the court verdict as unjust, stating that it was issued without fully considering the defense's evidence. Imran Khan intends to appeal this decision to the Islamabad High Court. 

Khan's political party assesses these criminal cases as a form of political pressure and selective punishment.