Thu Nov 14 11:14:04 UTC 2024: ## Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan’s Acquittal Plea Rejected in Gift Case
**ISLAMABAD, November 14, 2024:** A Pakistani court has dealt another blow to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, rejecting his plea for acquittal in a graft case related to the alleged misuse of state gifts. Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, are accused of retaining and selling gifts received from foreign dignitaries at below market value, violating government rules.
The couple is set to be formally indicted on November 18th, when the next court hearing is scheduled. Both Khan and Bibi maintain their innocence, denying any wrongdoing.
Khan’s lawyer, Naeem Panjutha, confirmed the court’s decision to deny the acquittal plea, but declined to provide further details.
Under Pakistani law, government officials and politicians are permitted to keep gifts from foreign dignitaries, but they must declare the accurate market value of the gifts and any profit made from their sale. Khan and Bibi are accused of purchasing state gifts, including watches and jewelry, at discounted prices while he was in power.
Since his ouster in 2022 through a no-confidence vote, Khan has faced multiple legal cases. He was previously convicted of corruption, unlawful marriage, and revealing national secrets, resulting in sentences ranging from three to fourteen years. However, these convictions were subsequently overturned or suspended on appeal. Despite this, Khan remains imprisoned due to ongoing legal proceedings.
First Piper 