The recent arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan has brought renewed attention to a recurring trend in Pakistani politics – the legal challenges faced by former heads of state. Imran Khan's arrest on Saturday from his Lahore residence marks a continuation of a pattern that extends back through the country's history. Here is a look at key instances when Pakistani prime ministers found themselves entangled in legal proceedings:
1. Imran Khan's Latest Brush with the Law: Former premier and leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party, Imran Khan, was arrested on Saturday from his Zaman Park home in Lahore. This arrest follows a conviction in the Toshakhana case, resulting in a three-year prison sentence and a fine of Rs 1 lakh. PTI members have raised concerns about access to Khan's legal team for essential court documents.
2. Shehbaz Sharif's Money Laundering Case: In September 2020, Pakistan's current Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, faced arrest by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) after the Lahore High Court rejected his bail plea in a money laundering case. The NAB launched an investigation into the case, pointing to significant asset growth between 2008 and 2018.
3. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's LNG Contract Controversy: Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was arrested in July 2019 in connection with a multi-billion-rupee case linked to the award of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import contract. Abbasi's arrest came as the NAB probed allegations of corruption related to the LNG contract during his tenure as Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources.
4. Nawaz Sharif and the Panama Papers Fallout: In July 2018, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, along with his daughter Maryam Nawaz, faced a 10-year prison sentence handed down by the NAB. The conviction followed accusations of money laundering linked to luxury apartments in London's Park Lane, reviving allegations from the Panama Papers leak.
5. Benazir Bhutto's Legal Encounters: Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, the first and only woman to hold the position, experienced multiple arrests during her political career. These included house arrest in 1985 and detention in 1986 for her criticism of military dictator Ziaul Haq.
6. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's Tragic Fate: Pakistan's ninth prime minister, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, faced arrest in 1974 on charges of conspiring to murder a political opponent. Bhutto's legal battle ultimately led to his death sentence and execution in 1979.
7. Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy's Opposition and Arrest: Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Pakistan's fifth prime minister, opposed Gen Ayub Khan's military coup and faced a ban from politics. He was subsequently arrested on false charges of "anti-state activities" in 1962, highlighting the challenges of challenging established authority.
IN PICS | Suhrawardy To Imran Khan: All The PMs Of Pakistan Who Were Arrested