Imran Khan and Wife Acquitted on Unlawful Marriage Charges

A Pakistani court acquitted former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife on charges of unlawful marriage. This decision, following PTI's victory in parliament, dismissed the last cases keeping Khan in jail. Despite his acquittals, Khan may still remain incarcerated due to other ongoing cases.

In a significant legal victory, a Pakistani court has acquitted former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, of charges related to unlawful marriage. This comes a day after his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party secured more seats in parliament, intensifying pressure on the nation's fragile government.

According to Khan's lawyer, Naeem Panjutha, the couple was acquitted on Saturday. Panjutha conveyed the news on social media platform X, who used an honorific term for Bushra Bibi.

The PTI party confirmed that with this latest court decision, there were no remaining legal barriers to keep Khan, 71, in jail. Both were initially sentenced to seven years in February for breaching Islamic law. However, it remains uncertain if Khan and Bibi will be released immediately. While Khan's earlier convictions have been overturned, a recent bail cancellation related to violent protests in May 2023 may still affect his detention. The PTI has warned that persisting with Khan's incarceration may spark another political crisis.

(With inputs from agencies.)