Former CM Faces 34 Years
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) sentenced former Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister (CM), Khalid Khurshid, to 34 years in prison. The charges stemmed from him threatening security agencies. This ruling marks a significant turn for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader.
Threatening Security Agencies
On May 26, 2024, Khalid Khurshid issued threats against the GB chief secretary, the chief election commissioner, and security agencies. These threats were made during a PTI power show. His provocative statements landed him in serious legal trouble.
ATC’s Verdict
The former CM Faces a 34-year prison sentence, In addition, the ATC imposed a Rs 600,000 fine on Khurshid. The court directed the inspector general of police to arrest him and transfer him to jail. His computerized national identity card (CNIC) will be blocked by the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).
Legal Complications
This sentence complicates Khurshid’s legal situation. The charges were lodged at the City Police Station in Gilgit under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). He had been a fugitive and failed to appear for court proceedings.
Past Controversies
Khurshid served as GB’s CM from 2020 until his disqualification in July 2023. He was disqualified for submitting a fake degree from the University of London. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) verified the degree as fake.
PTI Leadership
Khurshid joined PTI in 2018. He rose to the position of divisional president of Diamer-Astore. He faced multiple cases, including charges related to protests at D-Chowk in Islamabad.
This legal ruling further complicates his political career and prospects.
