Pakistani Court Acquits Ex-PM Imran Khan

A Pakistani court overturned the convictions and seven-year sentences of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife on Saturday, related to the legality of their 2018 marriage. The decision initially appeared to pave the way for Khan's release from nearly a year of imprisonment, prompting supporters to gather near the Rawalpindi prison in anticipation of his freedom.

However, shortly after the acquittal, Khan was arrested once again, this time in connection with riots that occurred last year, according to his party. The arrest dashed hopes among his followers, who had anticipated celebrating his release.

Khan, ousted from power in 2022 through a parliamentary vote of no-confidence, has faced a barrage of legal challenges since his initial arrest in May 2023. Over 150 cases, including charges of inciting violence and corruption, have been lodged against him, reflecting the turbulent political landscape he navigates.

Earlier this month, the United Nations human rights working group condemned Khan's prolonged detention as arbitrary and in violation of international laws, calling for his immediate release.

Saturday's court ruling specifically addressed the legality of Khan's marriage to Bushra Bibi, his third wife. The case hinged on Islamic law's requirement of a three-month waiting period between divorce and remarriage, which was contested during the trial.

Following Khan's arrest last year, his supporters engaged in widespread violence, targeting military and government installations across Pakistan and setting fire to state-run Radio Pakistan's building. The unrest ceased only upon Khan's temporary release by the Supreme Court, but he was subsequently rearrested and sentenced to three years in prison for corruption in August 2023.

Despite recent acquittals in several cases related to the 2023 violence, Khan's bail was revoked this week in a pending Lahore case. His party intends to appeal to higher courts for his release.

The latest developments unfolded on the heels of a significant ruling by Pakistan's Supreme Court, which found that Khan's party, Tehreek-e-Insaf, had been unfairly denied at least 20 parliamentary seats reserved for women and minorities following the February 8 elections. Although a political victory for Khan, this verdict is unlikely to dislodge Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government, which Khan's allies allege came to power through a rigged election.