Pakistan’s military establishment and federal government are preparing an initiation of treason charges against Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan, an inside source revealed. The treason will be initiated under the Official Secrets Act and other military law. As per the source, Pakistan’s federal Law Ministry is drafting a lawsuit that will make the civilian government a formal party to the proceedings. This development happened after former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd.), Faiz Hameed’s conviction. Hameed was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment by a Pakistani Field General Court Martial. As per the security officials, during the military court trial of Gen Faiz, much evidence has emerged that provides ‘grounds’ to the military court trial against Imran Khan. The official further said that the allegation directly links Imran to political agitation and he even attempted to destabilise the state.

Will EX-PM of Pakistan Imran Khan prosecuted under Official Secret Act?

Currently, the military is closely examining the evidence and questioning many of Imran’s close aides, once the investigation is completed, it is expected that the charges would be framed against Khan and this will follow a trial in the military courts under the provisions of the Official Secrets Act and relevant military statutes.

An Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) statement noted that the convict Gen Faiz was involved in fomenting vested political agitation and instability in cahoots with political elements is being addressed in separate proceedings. The language used in the ISPR statement is interpreted as a reference to scrutiny against Imran Khan and PTI leadership. If proved, the charges against Khan will include treason, instigating mutiny, and encouraging attacks on military installations during 2023 violence. Khan was arrested last year after widespread unrest leading to riots on May 9. On May 7, this year, SC of Pakistan delivered a landmark judgement that allows civilians who were involved in the riots to be prosecuted in military courts.

Post the landmark decision, political pressure has already mounted for trial of Khan under treason in military court and also there is a persistent demand to ban his party PTI. Currently, Khan is convicted in multiple cases, 14 years of imprisonment in Toshakhana case, 7 years in the Iddat case, and 14 years in the Al-Qadir Trust case, and many other FIRs related to the violence that erupted on May 9.

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