Pakistan former Prime Minister Imran Khan barred from public office
Pakistan’s former Prime Minister has been disqualified from holding public office by the country’s election commission after being found guilty of unlawfully selling state gifts from other world leaders and foreign dignitaries worth more than 140m Pakistani Rupees (£572,000).
According to government officials, the presents included valuable wristwatches given by a royal family, which are alleged to have been sold in Dubai by Khan’s aides.
The tribunal ruled that Khan was accused of misusing his position to purchase and sell gifts received during state visits and also concealed the profits he made which Khan however denied.
Dozens of Khan’s supporters gathered outside the Election Commission of Pakistan in capital Islamabad after the highly-anticipated ruling was announced today, six months after he was ousted by a no confidence vote.
According to legal experts, Khan is now likely to lose his seat in the National Assembly of Pakistan.
Law minister Azam Nazir Tarar said the sale of the watches amounted to an “immoral and diplomatic embarrassment”.
“Imran Khan not only lied to the election commission by not declaring his accurate assets and his sources of income, he also lied to the people of Pakistan,”Tarar said.
Under Pakistani law, a legislator found guilty of corruption or misuse of public office can be barred for up to five years.
The commission will give a more detailed ruling including the length of the ban later today.
