Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), remains incarcerated in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi. As of late 2025, his legal situation has become increasingly complex, marked by a series of heavy convictions and ongoing trials that his supporters describe as a “legal onslaught.”
The following is an overview of the key punishments and legal developments regarding Imran Khan as of December 20, 2025.
⚖️ Major Convictions and Sentences
In the last year, several high-profile cases have reached verdicts, resulting in significant prison terms for the former premier.
1. Toshakhana 2 Case (December 2025)In the most recent development, an accountability court sentenced Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years of rigorous imprisonment each.
* The Charge: Criminal breach of trust and corruption related to a set of jewelry received as a state gift from the Saudi government in 2021.
* The Penalty: Along with the prison term, the court imposed substantial fines and a 10-year disqualification from holding any public office.
2. Al-Qadir Trust Case (January 2025)Earlier in 2025, Khan was sentenced to 14 years in prison regarding the Al-Qadir University Project.
* The Charge: Misuse of authority and corruption involving the alleged settlement of £190 million (approx. 50 billion PKR) between the Pakistani government and a real estate tycoon.
* The Penalty: This verdict also included a 10-year ban on holding political office and a fine of 1 million PKR.
3. State Secrets (Cipher) CaseThough previous sentences in this case had been suspended at various points, Khan was originally handed a 10-year sentence for the unauthorized disclosure of a secret diplomatic cable (the “cipher”). He continues to face legal repercussions under the Official Secrets Act.
🏛️ Status of Other Legal Matters
While Khan has faced heavy sentencing, his legal team has secured some procedural victories, though none have led to his release.
* May 9 Riot Cases: In August 2025, the Supreme Court of Pakistan granted Khan bail in eight cases related to the May 9, 2023, violence. However, because he is currently serving sentences for the Toshakhana and Al-Qadir Trust cases, he remains in custody.
* Pending Trials: Khan still faces over 100 other charges ranging from incitement to “treason-like” offenses.
* Conditions of Detention: In December 2025, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture raised concerns regarding Khan’s confinement, citing reports of solitary confinement and restricted access to medical care and legal counsel.
🔍 Context and Impact
The “punishment” of Imran Khan has effectively sidelined him from the 2024 and 2025 political cycles. While his party, PTI, continues to hold a significant presence in the National Assembly (often through independent candidates), Khan himself remains legally barred from returning to power.
