Imran may stay behind bars in 2026 and beyond

ISLAMABAD: Unless some miracle happens, or there is a deal or unexpected relief from the courts, Imran Khan is unlikely to come out of jail anytime soon and could remain incarcerated through 2026 and perhaps beyond.

While hawkish elements within the PTI continue with their policy of confrontation, cool-headed leaders are deeply concerned over Khan’s situation, which they believe is unlikely to change without a shift in this confrontational approach.

Some party sources lament that Khan’s difficulties are not going to end soon, given the nature of the cases and convictions he and his wife are facing.

Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi’s appeals against their conviction in the Al-Qadir Trust case have not yet been scheduled for hearing by the Islamabad High Court (IHC). Before that, the IHC must hear their plea seeking the suspension of their conviction, and there is no indication of when that will be taken up.

Under the policy announced by the IHC, such appeals are heard strictly in the order of filing. The IHC’s “Fixation Policy,” framed under the directions of the National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC), gives priority to older and more serious criminal cases, particularly those involving death sentences and life imprisonment.

Imran Khan’s appeal in the Al-Qadir Trust case, in which he and his wife were sentenced to 14 years, was filed on January 31, 2024 has not been fixed for hearing as yet.

Given the existing backlog and prioritisation rules, it has already been reported by this newspaper that the appeal is unlikely to be taken up this year because of several other long-pending cases which will be decided first. PTI insiders say “hawkish elements” within the party, who are against dialogue, have made matters really difficult for Imran Khan. As long as the Al-Qadir conviction stands, he will remain imprisoned. Adding to his legal woes, the Toshakhana-II case - now in its final stages - poses a fresh threat. If convicted, Khan and his spouse could face additional jail time before their appeals are even heard.

Then there are multiple May 9-related cases still pending. Legal experts belonging to the PTI know that the prosecution has enough procedural leverage to prolong these proceedings, effectively ensuring that even if bail or acquittals are secured in some cases, other trials could keep him behind the bars for an indefinite period. Even in the best-case scenario, where Imran Khan secures acquittals at the high court level in all major cases, the process is expected to be lengthy. Barring any extraordinary intervention or political arrangement, the timeline of judicial proceedings suggests that Imran Khan’s stay in jail may extend well into 2026 — and possibly beyond, a source said.