Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, ousted in 2022 and already serving a three-year jail term for corruption, has now been handed a 10-year sentence in a case related to the alleged leaking of state secrets. Alongside him, former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, vice-chairman of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, also received a 10-year prison term. These charges, denounced by Khan as politically motivated, come just ahead of the general elections where he is barred from standing.

The case, known as the cipher case, revolves around the purported leaking of confidential diplomatic correspondence sent by Pakistan's ambassador in Washington to Islamabad during Khan's tenure as prime minister. The incident took place at a rally in March 2022, a month before Khan was ousted, where he brandished a piece of paper alleging a foreign conspiracy against him. Though the country wasn't explicitly named, Khan later criticized the United States.

The prosecution argued that Khan's actions amounted to leaking a classified document, potentially damaging diplomatic relations. This latter charge carries severe consequences, including life imprisonment or the death penalty. The trial unfolded in a special court within the jail where Khan has been held since August, barring international media from attending.

With the general election scheduled for February 8, allegations have surfaced that the PTI is facing restrictions on campaigning. The PTI has vowed to challenge the court ruling, deeming it a mockery. Khan, entangled in numerous legal battles, continues to fight against various charges.