According to the PTI spokesman, the court ruling was announced in a prison in Rawalpindi. The former leader failed in a vote of no confidence in 2022, mainly due to the economic problems plaguing the country. However, Han was not content with losing his power, so he organized massive demonstrations already in the fall of 2022. Later, more and more proceedings began against the former prime minister, including cases of corruption or embezzlement of valuable state gifts.
He was first sentenced to 3 years in prison in August 2023, at which time he was also banned from engaging in public affairs, and is currently serving this sentence.
This has prevented him from running in the next elections, although Han remains particularly popular in the Islamic State. Parliamentary elections are necessary because the Islamabad government resigned in the fall of 2023 and Parliament was dissolved. According to the constitution, in such cases early elections must be held in the country.
Regarding the ruling announced on Tuesday, Han said his political opponents want to make sure he will not be able to run for election for a long time. The former prime minister's lawyers are likely to appeal the ruling. The Independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said there is little chance of holding free and fair parliamentary elections next month.
The cover photo was taken during a demonstration demanding the release of the former Pakistani Prime Minister. Cover image credit: Chris J. Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images
