Political Turmoil in Pakistan

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was sentenced to three years in prison over the weekend after being found guilty of corruption charges. The decision is the latest in intensifying political tensions ahead of general elections tentatively scheduled for the fall.

Khan, a former cricket star, entered the political arena in 2018 but almost immediately faced criticism over alleged corruption and economic issues plaguing the country. Opposition to Khan culminated in a 2022 no-confidence vote, during which Khan dissolved parliament in an ultimately failed bid to hold on to power. No prime minister has ever completed a full five-year term in the country's 75-year modern history. Khan remains popular, with a poll finding more than 60% of the population had a positive opinion of his leadership.

The sentencing comes a week after a deadly bombing during a political rally in the northern part of the country, which left more than 60 people dead. Reports suggest the attack was part of the ongoing power struggle between ISIS and Taliban affiliate groups in the region.