A PAKISTANI court today sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 14 and seven years in prison, respectively, on corruption charges.

Mr Khan has been imprisoned since 2023.

The couple were accused of accepting land as a gift from real estate tycoon Malik Riaz in exchange for laundering £190 million, which was returned to Pakistan by British authorities in 2022.

Prosecutors alleged that Mr Khan allowed Mr Riaz to use the laundered money to pay fines imposed in another case.

Mr Khan has denied the charges, claiming they are politically motivated.

According to his legal team, Mr Khan laughed while his wife smiled as the judge delivered the verdict and both were taken into custody.

Ms Bibi had previously served a prison sentence in a separate graft case but was released on bail in October.

She recently led a rally to demand her husband’s release.

Mr Khan urged his supporters on X to remain calm, saying: “I will never accept this dictatorship.

“I will not compromise on my principles or the struggle for the true freedom of the nation.”

Following the verdict, legislators from Mr Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party staged a protest outside the parliament in Islamabad.

Senior PTI leader Omar Ayub Khan pledged to appeal the decision, saying the former premier had been unfairly punished and calling the case “bogus.”

The verdict can be challenged in higher courts.

Supporters also gathered outside Adiala Prison in Rawalpindi, chanting slogans and demanding Mr Khan’s release.

Mr Khan, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote in April 2022, has faced multiple charges including corruption, revealing state secrets, and violating marriage laws.

He has been sentenced to serve 10, 14 and seven years concurrently.