Days before national elections in Pakistan, the courts came down hard on former Prime Minister Imran Khan. He's been handed two big jail sentences in cases of fraud and leaking of national secrets. The verdicts hold an uncanny similarity to the arrest of present election front-runner Nawaz Sharif in 2018. The Pakistan army controlling who comes in and who goes out of power shows through.

Imran Khan and Elections in Pakistan | Inside South Asia

<p lang="en-US">Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to seven years of imprisonment each by a Rawalpindi court in the "un-Islamic nikah" case on Saturday (Feb 3).<br />
<br />
The case is related to their marriage which took place during Bushra Bibi's Iddat period. The verdict was announced by senior civil judge Qudratullah after the complaint was filed by Bushra’s former husband Khawar Fareed Maneka, who called their marriage “un-Islamic and illegal”, in a makeshift court located at the Adiala district jail.<br />
<br />
The court gave the verdict in the same week when Khan was given 14 years of&nbsp;prison sentence in the Toshakhana case and 10 years in the cipher case.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Maneka alleges Bushra, Imran's marriage 'fraudulent'</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">The cross-examinations of the statements submitted by the four witnesses of the case were completed and Khan and Bushra's statements were recorded under section 342.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/who-is-bushra-bibi-the-mystical-wife-of-ex-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-685993">Who is Bushra Bibi, the prayerful wife of ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan?</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">A day before, the complainant's counsel Raja Rizwan Abbasi, along with Bushra Bibi's lawyer Usman Gul and Khan's lawyer Salman Akram Raja also gave their final arguments.<br />
<br />
In his petition, Maneka called Bushra and Khan’s nikkah “fraudulent” and claimed that their marriage was solemnised during the latter's iddat, after her divorce from Maneka.<br />
<br />
“That above said nikah and the marriage ceremony was neither legal nor Islamic as it was solemnised without observing iddah period,” stated the petition, as reported by Geo.tv.</p>

<p>Maneka had also alleged that the former prime minister destroyed his entire life as the petition stated that the PTI top leader “stigmatised the complainant and his family just to achieve his unethical and immoral objects through intrusion in the complainant's peaceful marital life”.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Imran Khan and Elections in Pakistan | WION Inside South Asia</strong></p>

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<p>“In light of the above, it is humbly prayed that respondents No.1 [Imran Khan] and 2 [Bushra Bibi] be summoned and punished strictly in accordance with law in the interest of justice,” claimed Maneka in the court.</p>

<p>Bushra also faces a case filed by her former husband, Khawar Maneka, alleging fraudulent marriage and fornication.</p>

<h2><strong>Iddat case filed to ‘humiliate’ me and Bushra Bibi, claims Imran</strong></h2>

<p>After being&nbsp;convicted in the Iddat case, PTI founder Imran Khan, while speaking to the reporters, said that the case was filed to “humiliate and disgrace” both him and his wife Bushra Bibi.</p>

<p>“This marks the first instance in history where a case related to Iddat has been initiated,” Khan said.</p>

<p>He added that this was also the first time when someone was given a 14-year prison sentence in a Toshakhana case.</p>

<p>In Islam, iddat is a specific period that a woman must observe after either divorce or her husband's death and during which she is expected not to marry another man.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to seven years of imprisonment each by a Rawalpindi court in the "un-Islamic nikah" case on Saturday (Feb 3).

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to seven years of imprisonment each by a Rawalpindi court in the "un-Islamic nikah" case on Saturday (Feb 3). The case is related to their marriage which took place during Bushra Bibi's Iddat period. The verdict was announced by senior civil judge Qudratullah after the complaint was filed by Bushra’s former husband Khawar Fareed Maneka, who called their marriage “un-Islamic and illegal”, in a makeshift court located at the Adiala district jail. The court gave the verdict in the same week when Khan was given 14 years of prison sentence in the Toshakhana case and 10 years in the cipher case. Maneka alleges Bushra, Imran's marriage 'fraudulent' The cross-examinations of the statements submitted by the four witnesses of the case were completed and Khan and Bushra's statements were recorded under section 342. Also read: Who is Bushra Bibi, the prayerful wife of ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan? A day before, the complainant's counsel Raja Rizwan Abbasi, along with Bushra Bibi's lawyer Usman Gul and Khan's lawyer Salman Akram Raja also gave their final arguments. In his petition, Maneka called Bushra and Khan’s nikkah “fraudulent” and claimed that their marriage was solemnised during the latter's iddat, after her divorce from Maneka. “That above said nikah and the marriage ceremony was neither legal nor Islamic as it was solemnised without observing iddah period,” stated the petition, as reported by Geo.tv. Maneka had also alleged that the former prime minister destroyed his entire life as the petition stated that the PTI top leader “stigmatised the complainant and his family just to achieve his unethical and immoral objects through intrusion in the complainant's peaceful marital life”. Watch: Imran Khan and Elections in Pakistan | WION Inside South Asia “In light of the above, it is humbly prayed that respondents No.1 [Imran Khan] and 2 [Bushra Bibi] be summoned and punished strictly in accordance with law in the interest of justice,” claimed Maneka in the court. Bushra also faces a case filed by her former husband, Khawar Maneka, alleging fraudulent marriage and fornication. Iddat case filed to ‘humiliate’ me and Bushra Bibi, claims Imran After being convicted in the Iddat case, PTI founder Imran Khan, while speaking to the reporters, said that the case was filed to “humiliate and disgrace” both him and his wife Bushra Bibi. “This marks the first instance in history where a case related to Iddat has been initiated,” Khan said. He added that this was also the first time when someone was given a 14-year prison sentence in a Toshakhana case. In Islam, iddat is a specific period that a woman must observe after either divorce or her husband's death and during which she is expected not to marry another man. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan, wife Bushra Bibi sentenced to 7 years in 'un-Islamic nikah' case

Imran Khan and Elections in Pakistan | WION Inside South Asia

Pakistan's former Prime Minster Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 14 years in prison. While Khan is a celebrated figure in Pakistan, his third wife Bushra Bibi is equally mysterious. She has long avoided the spotlight. She is always hidden behind a veil. What more secrets is she hiding?

Gravitas | Bushra Bibi: The 'faith healer' wife of ex Pak PM

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidfuwzeKCWDbRX" /><meta charset="utf-8" /><meta name="uuid" content="uuidfuwzeKCWDbRX" /><meta charset="utf-8" />With less than a week left for the parliamentary elections in Pakistan on Feb 8, former foreign affairs minister Bilawal Bhutto said on Wednesday (Jan 31) that he was optimistic about the elections' result, adding that his party- the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has been campaigning extensively around the country. In an exclusive interview with WION's Pakistan Bureau Chief Anas Mallick, Bhutto said the response that the public has given (to the PPP) has been very promising.</p>

<p>"We are optimistic of some good results. As far as a prime minister completing their five-year term, it hasn't happened yet. But I am promising to bring in a new type of politics," Bhutto, 35 said. "I have campaigned that I want to end this old school politics of hate and division, bury the politics of personal animosity, and try to bring about the necessary reconciliation that allows all political forces to agree at least on the terms of the rules of the game so that we can empower civilian institutions such as parliament and take back that much-needed space," he told WION.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-bilawal-bhutto-zardari-announces-his-candidacy-for-prime-ministership-674073">Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari announces his candidacy for prime ministership, releases poll manifesto</a></strong></p>

<p>"If I am successful, then I hope that not only the next prime minister but every prime minister gets the opportunity to complete their term," he added.</p>

<h2>From old age to new age politics</h2>

<p>About the key issues that PPP is focused on and pointing out his statement about letting go of old-age politics,<strong>&nbsp;</strong>the former foreign minister said, "I am not saying that I want to get rid of just old as in age wise old politicians. It is possible to be old and believe in a new type of politics and thinking that brings people together. It is also possible to be young and believe in the old politics of hate and division."</p>

<h3><strong>Here's the interview</strong></h3>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONExclusive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONExclusive</a> | In an exclusive conversation with WION's <a href="https://twitter.com/AnasMallick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnasMallick</a>, Former Pakistan's Foreign minister and chairman, PPP <a href="https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBhuttoZardari</a> talks about the upcoming Pakistan election<a href="https://twitter.com/ShivanChanana?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShivanChanana</a> tells you more<br />
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Watch more at <a href="https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J">https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J</a> <a href="https://t.co/r0KBzyJ43x">pic.twitter.com/r0KBzyJ43x</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1753332677158343127?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I don't think it is the age but the thought process and mindset that we have to overcome," he added.</p>

<h2>A 'fixed match' jibe on Imran Khan</h2>

<p>Bhutto lashed out at Imran Khan by saying that the former prime minister has only ever fought "fixed match" elections. "His politics has been fixed match politics. He has never believed in democratic institutions or the democratic process," the 35-year-old PPP chairperson told WION, adding that as PM, Khan undermined every single democratic institution of Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan undermined the freedom of the press and the freedom of the judiciary, he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Bhutto on foreign relations and terrorism</strong></h2>

<p>Bhutto said on Wednesday that there was a need for a reset for Pakistan's foreign policy. "I think we need to broaden our engagement; we have had a very healthy engagement with China and made much progress in the China-Pakistan economic corridor. We need to re-engage and create those convergences with the West," he said.</p>

<p>"As far as our region is concerned, we have to move towards regional integration, whether that is Afghanistan, India, Iran," Bhutto added and highlighted that Islamabad could not be in a position where it was only talking to and trading with one of its neighbours.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bhutto-scion-aims-to-focus-on-pakistans-youth-break-with-old-politics-683199">Bhutto scion aims to focus on Pakistan’s youth, break with old politics</a></strong></p>

<p>On the issue of terrorism, Bhutto said that Pakistan was caught in an unfortunate loop and that Islamabad managed to create a necessary consensus not only to take on terrorist groups but to break the figurative backbone of terrorism.</p>

<p>"There was a point not so long ago that every other day there was a terrorist attack in Pakistan. Once we were successful in building that consensus, we brought back relative peace and prosperity to Pakistan," he said</p>

<p>Sharpening his attack on Imran Khan, the PPP chairperson said that the former prime minister engaged unilaterally in a dialogue with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and freed their prisoners from Pakistan who were involved in serious terrorist acts.</p>

<h2><strong>Will PPP ally this poll?</strong></h2>

<p>On being asked if the PPP would ally with Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) or Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (N), Bhutto told WION it was difficult to tell at this moment as both parties have been practising the old school politics of hate and division. "If they want to start something new, if they want to bury the politics of hate and division, they would find me as a willing partner but I am not so sure that I would join a coalition with them," he added.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


With less than a week left for the parliamentary elections in Pakistan on Feb 8, former foreign affairs minister Bilawal Bhutto said on Wednesday (Jan 31) that he was optimistic about the elections' result, adding that his party- the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has been campaigning extensively around the country.

With less than a week left for the parliamentary elections in Pakistan on Feb 8, former foreign affairs minister Bilawal Bhutto said on Wednesday (Jan 31) that he was optimistic about the elections' result, adding that his party- the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has been campaigning extensively around the country. In an exclusive interview with WION's Pakistan Bureau Chief Anas Mallick, Bhutto said the response that the public has given (to the PPP) has been very promising. "We are optimistic of some good results. As far as a prime minister completing their five-year term, it hasn't happened yet. But I am promising to bring in a new type of politics," Bhutto, 35 said. "I have campaigned that I want to end this old school politics of hate and division, bury the politics of personal animosity, and try to bring about the necessary reconciliation that allows all political forces to agree at least on the terms of the rules of the game so that we can empower civilian institutions such as parliament and take back that much-needed space," he told WION. Also read | Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari announces his candidacy for prime ministership, releases poll manifesto "If I am successful, then I hope that not only the next prime minister but every prime minister gets the opportunity to complete their term," he added. From old age to new age politics About the key issues that PPP is focused on and pointing out his statement about letting go of old-age politics, the former foreign minister said, "I am not saying that I want to get rid of just old as in age wise old politicians. It is possible to be old and believe in a new type of politics and thinking that brings people together. It is also possible to be young and believe in the old politics of hate and division." Here's the interview #WIONExclusive | In an exclusive conversation with WION's @AnasMallick, Former Pakistan's Foreign minister and chairman, PPP @BBhuttoZardari talks about the upcoming Pakistan election@ShivanChanana tells you more Watch more at https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J pic.twitter.com/r0KBzyJ43x — WION (@WIONews) February 2, 2024 × "I don't think it is the age but the thought process and mindset that we have to overcome," he added. A 'fixed match' jibe on Imran Khan Bhutto lashed out at Imran Khan by saying that the former prime minister has only ever fought "fixed match" elections. "His politics has been fixed match politics. He has never believed in democratic institutions or the democratic process," the 35-year-old PPP chairperson told WION, adding that as PM, Khan undermined every single democratic institution of Pakistan. Khan undermined the freedom of the press and the freedom of the judiciary, he added. Bhutto on foreign relations and terrorism Bhutto said on Wednesday that there was a need for a reset for Pakistan's foreign policy. "I think we need to broaden our engagement; we have had a very healthy engagement with China and made much progress in the China-Pakistan economic corridor. We need to re-engage and create those convergences with the West," he said. "As far as our region is concerned, we have to move towards regional integration, whether that is Afghanistan, India, Iran," Bhutto added and highlighted that Islamabad could not be in a position where it was only talking to and trading with one of its neighbours. Also read | Bhutto scion aims to focus on Pakistan’s youth, break with old politics On the issue of terrorism, Bhutto said that Pakistan was caught in an unfortunate loop and that Islamabad managed to create a necessary consensus not only to take on terrorist groups but to break the figurative backbone of terrorism. "There was a point not so long ago that every other day there was a terrorist attack in Pakistan. Once we were successful in building that consensus, we brought back relative peace and prosperity to Pakistan," he said Sharpening his attack on Imran Khan, the PPP chairperson said that the former prime minister engaged unilaterally in a dialogue with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and freed their prisoners from Pakistan who were involved in serious terrorist acts. Will PPP ally this poll? On being asked if the PPP would ally with Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) or Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (N), Bhutto told WION it was difficult to tell at this moment as both parties have been practising the old school politics of hate and division. "If they want to start something new, if they want to bury the politics of hate and division, they would find me as a willing partner but I am not so sure that I would join a coalition with them," he added.

Exclusive: An optimistic Bilawal Bhutto promises to end politics of hate post elections in Pakistan

<p>Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison over the Toshakhana reference case, has now been moved to Bani Gala, which is the Islamabad residence of the former Pakistan prime minister declared as a sub-jail, according to Pakistani media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bibi surrendered before the accountability court in Rawalpindi's Adiala prison voluntarily. This is where the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) team took her into custody.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Islamabad Chief Commissioner issued a statement declaring the residence of convict Bushra Bibi in Bani Gala as a sub-jail until further orders.</p>

<p>"The Chief Commissioner, Islamabad Capital Territory is pleased to declare the residence of convict Bushra Bibi (Residential Compound, Khan House Banigala, Mohra Noor, Islamabad) as Sub-Jail till further orders," stated the notification.</p>

<p>According to local media reports, stringent measures are in place to ensure security, with jail staff deployed inside and Bani Gala and Islamabad police officials stationed outside the residence.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/who-is-bushra-bibi-the-mystical-wife-of-ex-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-685993">Also read: Who is Bushra Bibi, the prayerful wife of ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan?</a></p>

<h2><strong>Both Khan and Bushra Bibi face legal troubles</strong></h2>

<p>Bot Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi face legal troubles, with Khan serving a 10-year sentence for illegally profiting from state gifts during his term as prime minister, in a case dubbed as Toshakhana case. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Decoding the criminal cases against ex-Pak PM Imran Khan</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from imposing rigorous imprisonment, the court has also disqualified Khan from holding any public office for the next 10 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The couple was fined PKR 1.573 billion as part of the judgement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-remains-disqualified-from-contesting-elections-after-conviction-appeal-fails-672275">Also read:&nbsp;Imran Khan remains disqualified from contesting elections after conviction appeal fails</a></p>

<p>Along with this, Bushra also faces a case filed by her former husband, Khawar Maneka, alleging fraudulent marriage and fornication.</p>

<p>Despite the political turmoil surrounding the couple, Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), dismisses the charges as politically motivated. PTI's acting chairman, Gohar Ali Khan, claims that Bushra Bibi has no link to the state gifts case.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison over the Toshakhana reference case, has now been moved to Bani Gala, which is the Islamabad residence of the former Pakistan prime minister declared as a sub-jail, according to Pakistani media reports.

Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison over the Toshakhana reference case, has now been moved to Bani Gala, which is the Islamabad residence of the former Pakistan prime minister declared as a sub-jail, according to Pakistani media reports. Bibi surrendered before the accountability court in Rawalpindi's Adiala prison voluntarily. This is where the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) team took her into custody. The Islamabad Chief Commissioner issued a statement declaring the residence of convict Bushra Bibi in Bani Gala as a sub-jail until further orders. "The Chief Commissioner, Islamabad Capital Territory is pleased to declare the residence of convict Bushra Bibi (Residential Compound, Khan House Banigala, Mohra Noor, Islamabad) as Sub-Jail till further orders," stated the notification. According to local media reports, stringent measures are in place to ensure security, with jail staff deployed inside and Bani Gala and Islamabad police officials stationed outside the residence. Also read: Who is Bushra Bibi, the prayerful wife of ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan? Both Khan and Bushra Bibi face legal troubles Bot Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi face legal troubles, with Khan serving a 10-year sentence for illegally profiting from state gifts during his term as prime minister, in a case dubbed as Toshakhana case. Watch | Decoding the criminal cases against ex-Pak PM Imran Khan × Apart from imposing rigorous imprisonment, the court has also disqualified Khan from holding any public office for the next 10 years. The couple was fined PKR 1.573 billion as part of the judgement. Also read: Imran Khan remains disqualified from contesting elections after conviction appeal fails Along with this, Bushra also faces a case filed by her former husband, Khawar Maneka, alleging fraudulent marriage and fornication. Despite the political turmoil surrounding the couple, Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), dismisses the charges as politically motivated. PTI's acting chairman, Gohar Ali Khan, claims that Bushra Bibi has no link to the state gifts case. (With inputs from agencies)

Bushra Bibi to serve prison sentence in husband Imran Khan’s residence designated as ‘sub-jail’

<p>Pakistan's former World Cup-winning cricket captain-turned-politician, Imran Khan, and his wife, Bushra Bibi, found themselves sentenced to jail and fined over $2 million each in a corruption case. The development from a satellite town close to Islamabad on Jan 31 captivated people worldwide, prompting a closer look into the intriguing life of Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi.</p>

<p><b>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-wife-bushra-sentenced-to-14-years-of-rigorous-punishment-in-toshakhana-case-report-685372">Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, wife Bushra sentenced to 14 years in Toshakhana case</a></b></p>

<p>Unlike Khan's previous high-profile marriages to British socialite Jemima Goldsmith and journalist Reham Khan, his union with Bushra Bibi in 2018 was a low-profile ceremony that resonated with his public displays of devotion to Islam in a deeply religious Pakistani society.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Bushra Bibi?</strong></h2>

<p>Bushra Bibi formerly known as Bushra Maneka, maintains a mysterious aura.&nbsp;Concealed behind a veil and&nbsp;known for her role as a faith healer with a small following, she rose to national prominence in Pakistan due to her spiritual engagements with Imran Khan, and finally their marriage.</p>

<p>The couple's journey took an unexpected turn amid&nbsp;rumours circulating&nbsp;that Khan sought advice from Bushra Bibi after meeting at a 13th Century Sufi shrine.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Imran Khan's troubles grows further: Imran Khan and wife Bushra Bibi put on no-fly list</strong></p>

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<p>The consequent rumour followed about a dream she had foretold that their marriage was the key to Khan becoming prime minister and prosperity in Pakistan. Six months after their marital union, Imran Khan indeed assumed office.</p>

<p>However, the second part of that dream did not really materialise. Khan's tenure witnessed economic collapse, soaring living costs, political opponents jailed, increase in human rights violations and more violence in separatism-hit Balochistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan's political career neared a collapse with his ousting by a parliamentary vote of no confidence in 2022 and subsequent arrest in 2023.</p>

<h2><strong>What now?</strong></h2>

<p>Now, both Khan and Bushra Bibi face legal troubles, with Khan serving a 10-year sentence for illegally profiting from state gifts during his term as prime minister, in a case dubbed as Toshakhana case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bushra also faces a case filed by her former husband, Khawar Maneka, alleging fraudulent marriage and fornication.</p>

<p>Despite the political turmoil surrounding the couple, Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), dismisses the charges as politically motivated. PTI's acting chairman, Gohar Ali Khan, claims that Bushra Bibi has no link to the state gifts case.</p>

<p>As the legal battles unfold, Bushra Bibi, now in her 40s, finds herself under house arrest in Islamabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The unfolding saga adds another layer to the complex discourse surrounding Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, from a mystical marriage to the corridors of power and, ultimately, the judicial system.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan's former World Cup-winning cricket captain-turned-politician, Imran Khan, and his wife, Bushra Bibi, found themselves sentenced to jail and fined over $2 million each in a corruption case.

Pakistan's former World Cup-winning cricket captain-turned-politician, Imran Khan, and his wife, Bushra Bibi, found themselves sentenced to jail and fined over $2 million each in a corruption case. The development from a satellite town close to Islamabad on Jan 31 captivated people worldwide, prompting a closer look into the intriguing life of Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi. Also read | Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, wife Bushra sentenced to 14 years in Toshakhana case Unlike Khan's previous high-profile marriages to British socialite Jemima Goldsmith and journalist Reham Khan, his union with Bushra Bibi in 2018 was a low-profile ceremony that resonated with his public displays of devotion to Islam in a deeply religious Pakistani society. Who is Bushra Bibi? Bushra Bibi formerly known as Bushra Maneka, maintains a mysterious aura. Concealed behind a veil and known for her role as a faith healer with a small following, she rose to national prominence in Pakistan due to her spiritual engagements with Imran Khan, and finally their marriage. The couple's journey took an unexpected turn amid rumours circulating that Khan sought advice from Bushra Bibi after meeting at a 13th Century Sufi shrine. Also watch | Imran Khan's troubles grows further: Imran Khan and wife Bushra Bibi put on no-fly list × The consequent rumour followed about a dream she had foretold that their marriage was the key to Khan becoming prime minister and prosperity in Pakistan. Six months after their marital union, Imran Khan indeed assumed office. However, the second part of that dream did not really materialise. Khan's tenure witnessed economic collapse, soaring living costs, political opponents jailed, increase in human rights violations and more violence in separatism-hit Balochistan. Khan's political career neared a collapse with his ousting by a parliamentary vote of no confidence in 2022 and subsequent arrest in 2023. What now? Now, both Khan and Bushra Bibi face legal troubles, with Khan serving a 10-year sentence for illegally profiting from state gifts during his term as prime minister, in a case dubbed as Toshakhana case. Bushra also faces a case filed by her former husband, Khawar Maneka, alleging fraudulent marriage and fornication. Despite the political turmoil surrounding the couple, Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), dismisses the charges as politically motivated. PTI's acting chairman, Gohar Ali Khan, claims that Bushra Bibi has no link to the state gifts case. As the legal battles unfold, Bushra Bibi, now in her 40s, finds herself under house arrest in Islamabad. The unfolding saga adds another layer to the complex discourse surrounding Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, from a mystical marriage to the corridors of power and, ultimately, the judicial system. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Bushra Bibi, the prayerful wife of ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan?

A Pakistan court sentenced Imran Khan to 10 years' jail on Tuesday for leaking state secrets, the harshest sentence against the former prime minister and cricketer in multiple cases coming just days before national elections. WION decodes the criminal cases against ex-Pak PM Imran Khan in this report. Watch in.

Decoding the criminal cases against ex-Pak PM Imran Khan

It's checkmate Imran Khan. The PTI Chief who owed his years in power to godfathers in the Pak Army, has been abandoned and now imprisoned by those who once nurtured him. This is just 10 days before Pakistan goes to vote. How did Khan go from being in the Pak Army's good graces to being their number one enemy, and what does his third conviction since 2022 mean for the upcoming general elections in the country?

Gravitas | Pak Army wins, Former PM Imran Khan jailed | What It means for upcoming polls

Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were handed 14-year sentences in a case related to the illegal selling of state gifts. The sentencing comes a day after the former prime minister and his close aide and former foreig#n minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi were sentenced to 10 years in jail in a case related to the leaking of state secrets.

Toshakhana case: Imran Khan, wife sentenced to 14 years

The former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have now been sentenced to 14 years in prison. Both of them have been found guilty of acquiring expensive gifts illegally from the Toshakhana or the country's State Treasury.

<p>Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife&nbsp;Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 14 years with 'rigorous punishment' in the Toshakhana case, Pakistan's Geo News reported. The latest prison sentence against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader came just eight days ahead of scheduled national elections in Pakistan and a day after he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for leaking state secrets.</p>

<p>The two were also&nbsp;disqualified from holding any public office for 10 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Imran and Bushra were also slapped with a fine of $2.81 million. While Khan is already in prison, visuals on social media showed Bushra Bibi&nbsp;reaching the Adiala Jail for arrest.</p>

<h2><strong>But wasn't Imran Khan already sentenced in Toshakhana case?</strong></h2>

<p>Yes. Imran Khan was arrested on August 5, 2023, when an Islamabad trial court sentenced him to three years in prison for illegally selling state gifts during his prime ministerial tenure, collectively dubbed as Toshakhana case. The court had also barred him from participating in active politics for five years.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan: Imran Khan sentenced to 10 years in prison, huge setback for ex-Pak PM</strong></p>

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<p>That sentence was suspended by Islamabad High Court on August 29, 2023. But Imran Khan remained in prison due to another case against him.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-admits-losing-cipher-during-interrogation-by-fia-in-attock-jail-629664">Imran Khan admits losing cipher during interrogation by FIA in Attock jail</a></strong></p>

<p>The latest sentence against him comes after the Pakistani army-dominated National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed a fresh reference against Khan and Bushra in an accountability court for allegedly retaining&nbsp;a jewellery set received from the Saudi crown prince against an undervalued assessment.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The verdict comes right ahead of the February 8 elections in Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Initial reactions in the Pakistani media suggest that the implication of the verdicts against Khan would be important on February 8.</p>

<p>"Would they [PTI leaders] be demoralised and stay in their homes or would they come out politically charged," one senior journalist told Pakistan's Geo news.&nbsp;</p>


Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 14 years with 'rigorous punishment' in the Toshakhana case, Pakistan's Geo News reported.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 14 years with 'rigorous punishment' in the Toshakhana case, Pakistan's Geo News reported. The latest prison sentence against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader came just eight days ahead of scheduled national elections in Pakistan and a day after he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for leaking state secrets. The two were also disqualified from holding any public office for 10 years. Imran and Bushra were also slapped with a fine of $2.81 million. While Khan is already in prison, visuals on social media showed Bushra Bibi reaching the Adiala Jail for arrest. But wasn't Imran Khan already sentenced in Toshakhana case? Yes. Imran Khan was arrested on August 5, 2023, when an Islamabad trial court sentenced him to three years in prison for illegally selling state gifts during his prime ministerial tenure, collectively dubbed as Toshakhana case. The court had also barred him from participating in active politics for five years. Also watch | Pakistan: Imran Khan sentenced to 10 years in prison, huge setback for ex-Pak PM × That sentence was suspended by Islamabad High Court on August 29, 2023. But Imran Khan remained in prison due to another case against him. Also read | Imran Khan admits losing cipher during interrogation by FIA in Attock jail The latest sentence against him comes after the Pakistani army-dominated National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed a fresh reference against Khan and Bushra in an accountability court for allegedly retaining a jewellery set received from the Saudi crown prince against an undervalued assessment. What does it mean? The verdict comes right ahead of the February 8 elections in Pakistan. Initial reactions in the Pakistani media suggest that the implication of the verdicts against Khan would be important on February 8. "Would they [PTI leaders] be demoralised and stay in their homes or would they come out politically charged," one senior journalist told Pakistan's Geo news.

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, wife Bushra sentenced to 14 years in Toshakhana case

What is Toshakhana? Established in 1974, Toshakhana is a department under the administrative control of the Cabinet Division and stores precious gifts given to rulers, parliamentarians, bureaucrats and officials by heads of other governments and states and foreign dignitaries as a goodwill gesture. It has valuables ranging from bulletproof cars, gold-plated souvenirs and expensive paintings to watches, ornaments, rugs and swords. What is the case?

Pakistan | Toshakhana case: Imran Khan, wife handed over 14-year sentence

Imran and Qureshi are in trouble as the Cipher case concludes. Marathon hearing results in case coming to an end. Imran and Qureshi handed over 36 questions questionnaire. After they answer the questionnaire, final arguments will be made and the judgement of the case will be reserved. Will this end Imran Khan's stint in politics?

Pakistan: Will Cipher case verdict end Imran Khan's political journey?

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan's fate has been sealed in the cipher case. The verdict comes just days before Pakistan goes to polls. Has the curtain been called on Imran Khan's political career?

Imran Khan faces 10-year prison sentence | Race to Power

Here's a lookback at famed cricketer and jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan's political career.

The rise and fall of PTI founder Imran Khan | Race to Power

Pakistan: Imran, Qureshi in trouble as Cipher case closes to conclusion

Pakistan: Cipher case trial coming to an end | Will Imran Khan be jailed for life? | WION

Imran Khan & Shah Mahmood Qureshi convicted in Cipher case. The verdict comes days ahead of February 8 elections in Pakistan. The Ex-Pak PM has been convicted for revealing state secrets. Watch to know more!

Pakistan: Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi convicted in Cipher case

Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaaf is back in the headlines, as several party workers and supporters were arrested during an election rally. With elections just over a week away, where does the PTI stand with its top leaders in prison?

Pakistan police crackdown on PTI supporters at campaign rally | Pakistan Elections

A Pakistani court has sentenced former prime minister Imran Khan and his close aide Shah Mahmood Qureshi to ten years in prison for violating the nation’s Official Secrets Act by making a diplomatic cable public when he was in power.

Pakistan: Imran Khan sentenced to 10 years in prison, huge setback for ex-Pak PM

<p>Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan and his close aide Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been handed a 10-year prison sentence in the cipher case, according to Pakistani media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqernain of the Official Secrets Act special court presiding over the case delivered the verdict after conducting the proceedings at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief and his aide were indicted in the cipher case&nbsp;by the special court, established under the Official Secrets Act 2023 after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared their jail trial null and void.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The jail sentence against Imran and Qureshi comes a little over a month after the Supreme Court granted them bail in the case against surety bonds of Rs 1 million each. A few days later,&nbsp;Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb stopped the special court from further proceedings till January 11, noting there were "legal errors" in the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the repeated indictment and now the jail verdict, both have claimed innocence and alleged&nbsp;that "powerful people" behind the cipher case had made them the scapegoat.</p>

<p>Imran alleged that the trial was nothing less than a "joke" as both the prosecution and defence team belonged to the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The verdict comes right before the February 8 general elections where Imran's&nbsp;party is contesting against a heavily armed state machinery that has taken away PTI's 'bat' electoral symbol.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-imran-khan-and-mahmood-qureshi-indicted-again-in-cipher-case-669407"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan: Imran Khan and Mahmood Qureshi indicted again in Cipher case</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>The cipher case</strong></h2>

<p>Imran Khan faced allegations that he violated the Official Secrets Act when he disclosed a secret diplomatic cable, called the cipher. This was sent by Pakistan's embassy in Washington&nbsp;in March 2022. Khan reportedly lost possession of the diplomatic cable later.</p>

<p>Both Khan and Qureshi claimed that the cable had a threat from the US to topple the PTI government which was then in power in Pakistan.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-remains-disqualified-from-contesting-elections-after-conviction-appeal-fails-672275"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Imran Khan remains disqualified from contesting elections after conviction appeal fails</strong></a></p>

<p>Khan was ousted from the prime ministerial office in April 2022&nbsp;after a no-confidence vote. Since being relieved of the premier post, more than 150 cases have been slapped against him.</p>

<p>Notably, the cipher&nbsp;case is Imran's second conviction after he was sentenced to three years in jail in the Toshakhana case in August last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan and his close aide Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been handed a 10-year prison sentence in the cipher case, according to Pakistani media reports.

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan and his close aide Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been handed a 10-year prison sentence in the cipher case, according to Pakistani media reports. Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqernain of the Official Secrets Act special court presiding over the case delivered the verdict after conducting the proceedings at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief and his aide were indicted in the cipher case by the special court, established under the Official Secrets Act 2023 after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared their jail trial null and void. The jail sentence against Imran and Qureshi comes a little over a month after the Supreme Court granted them bail in the case against surety bonds of Rs 1 million each. A few days later, Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb stopped the special court from further proceedings till January 11, noting there were "legal errors" in the case. Despite the repeated indictment and now the jail verdict, both have claimed innocence and alleged that "powerful people" behind the cipher case had made them the scapegoat. Imran alleged that the trial was nothing less than a "joke" as both the prosecution and defence team belonged to the government. The verdict comes right before the February 8 general elections where Imran's party is contesting against a heavily armed state machinery that has taken away PTI's 'bat' electoral symbol. Watch | Pakistan: Imran Khan and Mahmood Qureshi indicted again in Cipher case The cipher case Imran Khan faced allegations that he violated the Official Secrets Act when he disclosed a secret diplomatic cable, called the cipher. This was sent by Pakistan's embassy in Washington in March 2022. Khan reportedly lost possession of the diplomatic cable later. Both Khan and Qureshi claimed that the cable had a threat from the US to topple the PTI government which was then in power in Pakistan. Also read | Imran Khan remains disqualified from contesting elections after conviction appeal fails Khan was ousted from the prime ministerial office in April 2022 after a no-confidence vote. Since being relieved of the premier post, more than 150 cases have been slapped against him. Notably, the cipher case is Imran's second conviction after he was sentenced to three years in jail in the Toshakhana case in August last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Cipher case: Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood sentenced to 10 years in prison

BREAKING: Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan sentenced to 10 years in jail in Cipher case

Imran Khan's hopes to contest polls get another setback. Khans nomination rejected from two constituencies. Rejection on the grounds of conviction in Toshakhana case. Watch to know more!

Pakistan: PTI Chief nearly out of political race | Pakistan Elections

<p>In a setback for Pakistan's former premier Imran Khan, the Lahore High Court on Wednesday upheld the rejection of his nomination papers for the February 8 general elections, Dawn News reported.</p>

<p>The high court upheld the decisions of the returning officer (RO) and appellate tribunal given against acceptance of the disqualified former premier's nomination papers from NA-122 and NA-89 constituencies.</p>

<p>It reported that Imran's nomination papers had been rejected primarily on the grounds of being convicted in the Toshakhana case, in which he was sentenced to three years of imprisonment. The case, filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), had accused Imran of not mentioning the details of state gifts in his tax declarations.</p>

<p>Imran's nomination papers from NA-122 were also dismissed on the grounds of the proposer not being a voter from the constituency.</p>

<p>The appellate tribunals had also upheld the decisions of the respective returning officers (ROs) with an observation that the conviction and sentence were two different terms as conviction pertained to the guilty verdict and sentence stands for the rigours following conviction.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Lahore High Court (LHC) reserved the decision on a writ petition filed by Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan against the election appellate tribunal's dismissal of his appeal regarding the rejection of his nomination papers by the Returning Officer (RO), The Express Tribune reported on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Arguing during the hearing, Imran Khan's counsel contended that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) lacks the authority to disqualify an individual.</p>

<p>The tribunals had noted that the conviction meant a guilty verdict pronounced by a court in reference to the delinquency attributed to an accused, whereas the sentence denoted the quantum of punishment.</p>

<p>Subsequently, Imran had filed two petitions in the LHC asking the high court to set aside the decisions of the ROs and the appellate tribunals of rejecting the nomination papers of the petitioner from both constituencies of the National Assembly.</p>

<p>During the previous hearing, Advocate Uzair Bhandari had argued on behalf of Imran that the conviction on the charge of moral turpitude did not fall under the definition of disqualification. He said the conviction of the petitioner could not be equated with the conviction for corruption or accumulating illegal assets, Dawn News reported.</p>

<p>He also pointed out that an Indian court enlisted the offence of moral turpitude lower than the offence involving financial corruption. However, the bench observed that the standards of morality in Pakistan were different from other regions.</p>

<p>Bhandari further argued that the RO had no jurisdiction to pass the impugned order on the basis of the conviction on moral turpitude. Meanwhile, a lawyer for the ECP argued that the petitioner's conviction was still in force and he had not been acquitted by the high court.</p>


In a setback for Pakistan's former premier Imran Khan, the Lahore High Court on Wednesday upheld the rejection of his nomination papers for the February 8 general elections, Dawn News reported.

In a setback for Pakistan's former premier Imran Khan, the Lahore High Court on Wednesday upheld the rejection of his nomination papers for the February 8 general elections, Dawn News reported. The high court upheld the decisions of the returning officer (RO) and appellate tribunal given against acceptance of the disqualified former premier's nomination papers from NA-122 and NA-89 constituencies. It reported that Imran's nomination papers had been rejected primarily on the grounds of being convicted in the Toshakhana case, in which he was sentenced to three years of imprisonment. The case, filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), had accused Imran of not mentioning the details of state gifts in his tax declarations. Imran's nomination papers from NA-122 were also dismissed on the grounds of the proposer not being a voter from the constituency. The appellate tribunals had also upheld the decisions of the respective returning officers (ROs) with an observation that the conviction and sentence were two different terms as conviction pertained to the guilty verdict and sentence stands for the rigours following conviction. Earlier, the Lahore High Court (LHC) reserved the decision on a writ petition filed by Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan against the election appellate tribunal's dismissal of his appeal regarding the rejection of his nomination papers by the Returning Officer (RO), The Express Tribune reported on Tuesday. Arguing during the hearing, Imran Khan's counsel contended that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) lacks the authority to disqualify an individual. The tribunals had noted that the conviction meant a guilty verdict pronounced by a court in reference to the delinquency attributed to an accused, whereas the sentence denoted the quantum of punishment. Subsequently, Imran had filed two petitions in the LHC asking the high court to set aside the decisions of the ROs and the appellate tribunals of rejecting the nomination papers of the petitioner from both constituencies of the National Assembly. During the previous hearing, Advocate Uzair Bhandari had argued on behalf of Imran that the conviction on the charge of moral turpitude did not fall under the definition of disqualification. He said the conviction of the petitioner could not be equated with the conviction for corruption or accumulating illegal assets, Dawn News reported. He also pointed out that an Indian court enlisted the offence of moral turpitude lower than the offence involving financial corruption. However, the bench observed that the standards of morality in Pakistan were different from other regions. Bhandari further argued that the RO had no jurisdiction to pass the impugned order on the basis of the conviction on moral turpitude. Meanwhile, a lawyer for the ECP argued that the petitioner's conviction was still in force and he had not been acquitted by the high court.

Pakistan elections: Imran Khan's hopes to contest polls get another setback

Pakistan’s Supreme Court late Saturday (Jan 13) stripped the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) off its iconic ‘bat’ election symbol, a move after which those contesting in elections from the party will have to fight as independent candidates. This is a major setback for Pakistan's jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Imran Khan's party loses 'bat' symbol, PTI candidates to contest as independents

<p>Pakistan’s Supreme Court late Saturday (Jan 13) stripped the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) off its iconic ‘bat’ election symbol, a move after which those contesting in&nbsp;elections from the party will have to fight as independent candidates. This is a major setback for Pakistan's jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.</p>

<p>The court also declared the PTI's intra-party polls as "null and void". This ruling comes after a continued legal tussle between Pakistan's election body and PTI over the electoral symbol and rejection of intra-party polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Setting aside the Peshawar High Court (PHC) order which said that the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision was 'illegal', Pakistan's Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa said, the ECP “has been calling upon the PTI to hold its intra-party elections since May 24, 2021 and at that time the PTI was in the federal government and in some provinces.”</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-boeing-737-plane-returns-to-airport-after-crack-in-cockpit-window-679671">Japan: Boeing 737 plane returns to airport after crack in cockpit window</a></p>

<p>“Therefore, it cannot be stated that ECP was victimising PTI. Nonetheless, we wanted to satisfy ourselves that the ECP had not acted mala fide of ulterior reason or that PTI was discriminated against; it transpired that the ECP had passed orders against 13 other registered political parties which were far more severe than the order passed against PTI," the judge added, reported Pakistan's media outlet Dawn.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the verdict was pronounced, PTI's Barrister Gohar Khan expressed disappointment and announced the party's intention to file a review appeal against the Supreme Court order.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-genocide-case-western-countries-reject-safricas-charges-turkey-to-provide-documents-679670">Israel ‘genocide’ case: Western countries reject S. Africa’s charges; Turkey to provide documents</a></p>

<p>The entire saga started on December 22 when the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disallowed PTI to keep its electoral symbol for the upcoming general elections. Giving its reasons for the move, the election body cited the party's failure to conduct intra-party polls in alignment with the constitution and election laws.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite a brief restoration of the symbol by the Peshawar High Court, the ECP's decision was ultimately upheld by the country's apex court.&nbsp;</p>

<section>
<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-elections-lai-ching-te-wins-presidential-vote-vows-to-defend-island-from-china-threats-679734">Taiwan elections: Lai Ching-te wins presidential vote, vows to defend island from China threats</a></strong></p>

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<p>PTI also attempted to join the elections using the PTI-Nazriati splinter group’s symbol, the batsman. However, this plan B was also ruined after an agreement fell through, further complicating the party's electoral prospects.&nbsp;</p>
</section>

<p>The Supreme Court's recent ruling means PTI candidates will no longer be able to campaign with the ‘bat’ symbol.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan’s Supreme Court late Saturday (Jan 13) stripped the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) off its iconic ‘bat’ election symbol, a move after which those contesting in elections from the party will have to fight as independent candidates.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court late Saturday (Jan 13) stripped the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) off its iconic ‘bat’ election symbol, a move after which those contesting in elections from the party will have to fight as independent candidates. This is a major setback for Pakistan's jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The court also declared the PTI's intra-party polls as "null and void". This ruling comes after a continued legal tussle between Pakistan's election body and PTI over the electoral symbol and rejection of intra-party polls. Setting aside the Peshawar High Court (PHC) order which said that the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision was 'illegal', Pakistan's Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa said, the ECP “has been calling upon the PTI to hold its intra-party elections since May 24, 2021 and at that time the PTI was in the federal government and in some provinces.” Also Read | Japan: Boeing 737 plane returns to airport after crack in cockpit window “Therefore, it cannot be stated that ECP was victimising PTI. Nonetheless, we wanted to satisfy ourselves that the ECP had not acted mala fide of ulterior reason or that PTI was discriminated against; it transpired that the ECP had passed orders against 13 other registered political parties which were far more severe than the order passed against PTI," the judge added, reported Pakistan's media outlet Dawn. As the verdict was pronounced, PTI's Barrister Gohar Khan expressed disappointment and announced the party's intention to file a review appeal against the Supreme Court order. Also Read | Israel ‘genocide’ case: Western countries reject S. Africa’s charges; Turkey to provide documents The entire saga started on December 22 when the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disallowed PTI to keep its electoral symbol for the upcoming general elections. Giving its reasons for the move, the election body cited the party's failure to conduct intra-party polls in alignment with the constitution and election laws. Despite a brief restoration of the symbol by the Peshawar High Court, the ECP's decision was ultimately upheld by the country's apex court. Watch | Taiwan elections: Lai Ching-te wins presidential vote, vows to defend island from China threats × PTI also attempted to join the elections using the PTI-Nazriati splinter group’s symbol, the batsman. However, this plan B was also ruined after an agreement fell through, further complicating the party's electoral prospects. The Supreme Court's recent ruling means PTI candidates will no longer be able to campaign with the ‘bat’ symbol. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak SC strips Imran Khan's PTI off 'bat' electoral symbol, party to file review appeal

Pakistan: Imran Khan's PTI loses 'bat' electoral symbol

In a major relief ahead of the February 8 general elections, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday declared “illegal” the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to revoke the PTI’s ‘bat’ electoral symbol and reject its intra-party polls.

Peshawar High Court restores PTI's electoral symbol

<p>In the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack that saw 40 Indian security personnel&nbsp;killed in 2019, then Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan tried having conversation with Indian PM Narendra Modi at midnight, but the latter refused, says a book written by former Indian high commissioner Ajay Bisaria, as reported by The Times of India.</p>

<p>The report, which describes Pakistan as "spooked" due to tough Indian stance, says that Pakistan's then-high commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood, who was in Islamabad at the time, rang up Bisaria at midnight on February 27, 2019. This was the first of the two nights Indian Air Force's Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was in Pakistani custody after a clash between Indian and Pakistani fighter jets. The Pakistani high commissioner was trying to diffuse the situation by trying to facilitate a conversation between Imran Khan and PM Modi. The latter reportedly 'declined' to have any such conversation.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | PM Modi to inaugurate vibrant Gujarat Summit</strong></p>

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<p>What happened that night and in the following days has now been penned by Bisaria in his upcoming book <em>Anger Management: The Troubled Diplomatic Relationship Between India and Pakistan</em>.</p>

<p>"India's coercive diplomacy had been effective, India's expectations of Pakistan and world had been clear, backed by credible resolve to escalate the crisis," says Bisaria in his book as quoted by The Times Of India.</p>

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<p>In the book, Bisaria reportedly also says that India had missiles aimed at Pakistan after the horrific Pulwama terror attack. India had not said officially that such a situation was indeed present at the time.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/global-search-interest-for-indias-lakshadweep-skyrocket-after-pm-modis-visit-677924">Global search interest for India’s Lakshadweep witnesses record surge after PM Modi’s visit</a></strong></p>

<p>In his book, Bisaria has reportedly also said that India's deft political manoeuvres appeared to have such an effect that they stoked a rethink in Pakistani military and diplomatic apparatus about how effective is the decades-old policy of supporting proxy terror groups against India.</p>

<p>The strategy was developed by Pakistan after it realised that it could not win a straight military fight against India.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack that saw 40 Indian security personnel killed in 2019, then Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan tried having conversation with Indian PM Narendra Modi at midnight, but the latter refused, says a book written by former Indian high commissioner Ajay Bisaria, as reported by The Times of India.

In the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack that saw 40 Indian security personnel killed in 2019, then Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan tried having conversation with Indian PM Narendra Modi at midnight, but the latter refused, says a book written by former Indian high commissioner Ajay Bisaria, as reported by The Times of India. The report, which describes Pakistan as "spooked" due to tough Indian stance, says that Pakistan's then-high commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood, who was in Islamabad at the time, rang up Bisaria at midnight on February 27, 2019. This was the first of the two nights Indian Air Force's Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was in Pakistani custody after a clash between Indian and Pakistani fighter jets. The Pakistani high commissioner was trying to diffuse the situation by trying to facilitate a conversation between Imran Khan and PM Modi. The latter reportedly 'declined' to have any such conversation. Watch | PM Modi to inaugurate vibrant Gujarat Summit × What happened that night and in the following days has now been penned by Bisaria in his upcoming book Anger Management: The Troubled Diplomatic Relationship Between India and Pakistan. "India's coercive diplomacy had been effective, India's expectations of Pakistan and world had been clear, backed by credible resolve to escalate the crisis," says Bisaria in his book as quoted by The Times Of India. Also Read | 'We see India as a powerful IT centre,' says Estonia's IT minister to WION In the book, Bisaria reportedly also says that India had missiles aimed at Pakistan after the horrific Pulwama terror attack. India had not said officially that such a situation was indeed present at the time. Also Read | Global search interest for India’s Lakshadweep witnesses record surge after PM Modi’s visit In his book, Bisaria has reportedly also said that India's deft political manoeuvres appeared to have such an effect that they stoked a rethink in Pakistani military and diplomatic apparatus about how effective is the decades-old policy of supporting proxy terror groups against India. The strategy was developed by Pakistan after it realised that it could not win a straight military fight against India. (With inputs from agencies)

Imran Khan tried to talk to Modi post-Pulwama terror attack but Indian PM refused: Ex-envoy

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