A Pakistani court has formally charged former Prime Minister Imran Khan for allegedly revealing “state secrets,” adding to his growing list of legal issues since his
removal from office in April 2022.
A spokesperson for Khan's party, PTI, stated that they intend to challenge the ruling. Khan is accused of leaking a diplomatic letter that he claims implicates the United States in his removal, a claim denied by both the US and Pakistan military.
Despite facing multiple legal challenges,
Imran Khan still enjoys popular support, while his political rival Nawaz Sharif has returned to Pakistan after years of exile. His return has raised questions about potential political realignments and backroom deals between his party and the military.
Imran Khan's removal from office in 2022 came amid tensions with Pakistan's powerful military establishment and his attempt to dissolve parliament, deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
Khan has faced various criminal charges, including corruption, terrorism, contempt of court, and blasphemy.
While Khan's corruption conviction was initially suspended, he remains in custody pending the court's decision on his state secrets charge and is also barred from participating in the upcoming 2024 elections.