A Gilgit-Baltistan anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Tuesday sentenced former chief minister Khalid Khurshid Khan to 34 years in prison for threatening security institutions during a party rally in July. The verdict marks a significant turn in the political and legal troubles of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, who has faced mounting challenges in recent months.
The charges stem from Khurshid’s speech at a rally on July 26 at Ittehad Chowk, Gilgit, where he allegedly made threats against security institutions, including the chief secretary and the chief election commissioner. Judge Rehmat Shah of the GB ATC also imposed a fine of Rs600,000 on the former chief minister, further intensifying the penalties against him.
Khurshid, who serves as PTI’s regional president, was previously disqualified by the GB Chief Court in July 2023 for allegedly obtaining a license from the GB Bar Council using a fake law degree. Following this, a case was registered against him in August for allegedly possessing the fraudulent degree. In September, the Peshawar High Court granted him protective bail in various cases registered across the country.
Despite repeated court notices, Khurshid failed to appear in any hearings. The court assigned him a defence lawyer who argued on his behalf. On Tuesday, Judge Shah directed the GB inspector general of police to arrest Khurshid and instructed the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) director general to block his national identity card.
The case was registered at the Gilgit City Police Station under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of the allegations and highlights the broader implications for Khurshid’s political career and legal standing.
The sentencing of a former chief minister to a lengthy prison term is a rare event in Pakistan’s political landscape, signaling a stringent approach to addressing threats against state institutions. As the case unfolds further, it may set significant legal and political precedents in the region.
0 Comments