Pakistan Jails 25 Imran Khan’s Supporters Over 2023 Military Facility Attacks

Pakistan has sentenced 25 civilians to prison for their involvement in attacks on military facilities following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2023.

The military’s public relations wing confirmed the sentencing on Saturday, thus revealing that a military court had handed down sentences ranging from two to 10 years of “rigorous imprisonment,” with 14 individuals facing the maximum 10-year term.

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Although the specific charges were not disclosed, the military referred to the actions of Khan’s supporters—who stormed military installations and set fire to a general’s house during the unrest in May 2023—as “political terrorism.”

The statement emphasized that the ruling serves as a “stark reminder” to never take the law into one’s own hands.

The military added that others involved in the violence, which resulted in at least eight deaths, are being tried in anti-terrorism courts. Justice would not be fully served until the “masterminds and planners” of the attacks are held accountable.

Amnesty International condemned the ruling, calling it an “intimidation tactic” aimed at silencing dissent.

Khan, a former cricket star, served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, before being ousted through a no-confidence vote. He has repeatedly blamed the military establishment for his political downfall.

The 72-year-old was first jailed in May 2023, then again three months later, and has remained in custody ever since, facing numerous court cases that he insists are politically motivated.

Meanwhile, Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been targeted by a widespread crackdown, resulting in the arrest of thousands of party members, from grassroots supporters to senior officials.

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Khan was barred from contesting the February elections, which were marred by allegations of rigging. Despite the crackdown, PTI emerged as the largest party, though it was excluded from power by a coalition of parties with closer ties to the military.

Protests erupted again in Islamabad last month when thousands of PTI supporters attempted to occupy a public square near parliament.

Saturday’s sentencing follows Khan’s indictment by an anti-terrorism court on charges of inciting attacks on the military.

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