ISLAMABAD- A Pakistani court has recently dropped charges of murder abetment against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, a renowned cricket star turned politician. This decision comes as a relief for Khan, who had been imprisoned on corruption charges earlier this month. In June, Khan was accused of being involved in the murder of Supreme Court lawyer Abdul Razzaq, who was killed in a drive-by shooting in Quetta. Razzaq's son had alleged Khan's involvement in his father's assassination.

Khan's lawyer, Naeem Panjutha, expressed his gratitude on social media, celebrating the dismissal of the case. However, a government prosecutor has yet to provide a comment on the court's ruling.

Prior to his tragic death, Razzaq had filed a court petition, requesting treason charges against Khan for dissolving parliament unconstitutionally after losing a vote of confidence in April 2022. Khan's falling out with Pakistan's influential military led to his loss of power, and he has faced multiple legal cases while attempting to garner public support.

This political turmoil has further exacerbated Pakistan's severe economic crisis. A general election, initially expected in November, is likely to be postponed until at least early next year. Additionally, Khan is ineligible to run for office and has been banned from holding any political positions for five years.

Khan's loss of power resulted from his strained relationship with Pakistan's influential military, leading to the initiation of multiple legal cases against him as he endeavored to regain popular support.

This political turbulence has struck Pakistan at a time when the country is grappling with one of its most severe economic crises. While a general election was originally anticipated to take place in November, it is now likely to be postponed until early next year.

Imran Khan is presently disqualified from participating in elections and is prohibited from holding any political office for a five-year period. Additionally, on Monday, a high court in Islamabad is expected to announce its decision on Khan's appeal to suspend his conviction and three-year prison sentence for corruption.