Last Updated on: 7th February 2024, 09:40 am
Benazir Bhutto news: The recent detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan has once again highlighted a persistent pattern in Pakistani politics: the legal troubles encountered by past heads of state. Imran Khan’s apprehension from his residence in Lahore over the weekend underscores a historical trend within the nation.
A Look at Pakistani Prime Ministers Who Faced Arrest, Benazir Bhutto to Imran Khan
Let’s delve into significant instances where Pakistani prime ministers found themselves embroiled in legal complexities:
1. Imran Khan’s Recent Legal Encounter:
Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader, Imran Khan, was arrested from his residence in Zaman Park, Lahore, on Saturday. This arrest follows his conviction in the Toshakhana case, resulting in a three-year prison term and a fine of Rs 1 lakh. Concerns have been raised by PTI members regarding access to Khan’s legal team for crucial court documents.
2. Shehbaz Sharif’s Allegations of Money Laundering:
In September 2020, the current Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, faced arrest by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) after the Lahore High Court dismissed his bail plea in a money laundering case. The NAB initiated an inquiry into substantial asset growth observed between 2008 and 2018.
3. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s Involvement in the LNG Contract Controversy:
Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was detained in July 2019 in connection with a multi-billion-rupee case related to the award of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import contract. Abbasi’s arrest came amidst NAB’s investigation into corruption allegations associated with the LNG contract during his tenure as Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources.
4. Nawaz Sharif and the Fallout from the Panama Papers:
In July 2018, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, along with his daughter Maryam Nawaz, received a 10-year prison sentence from the NAB. The conviction stemmed from allegations of money laundering associated with upscale apartments in London’s Park Lane, reigniting scrutiny following the Panama Papers leak.
5. Benazir Bhutto’s Legal Ordeals:
The first and sole woman to hold the prime ministerial position in Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto faced numerous arrests throughout her political career. These included house arrest in 1985 and detention in 1986 due to her criticism of military dictator Ziaul Haq. In her honor, the Benazir income support program was launched in 2008 by Yousaf Raza Gillani.
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6. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s Tragic Demise:
Pakistan’s ninth prime minister, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was arrested in 1974 on charges of conspiring to assassinate a political adversary. Bhutto’s legal saga culminated in a death sentence and subsequent execution in 1979.
7. Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy’s Opposition and Arrest:
Pakistan’s fifth prime minister, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, opposed Gen Ayub Khan’s military takeover and faced a political ban. Subsequently, he was arrested on fabricated charges of “anti-state activities” in 1962, underscoring the hurdles associated with challenging entrenched authority.
Final Thoughts
This retrospective offers insights into the legal entanglements that have marked the tenures of several Pakistani prime ministers, reflecting the complex interplay between power, accountability, and the judiciary in the nation’s political landscape.