A court found Khan guilty of hiding financial proceeds. But after the verdict, Khan called for insurrection and protests.
Ex-Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has called for nationwide protests after he bagged a three-year jail sentence over corruption allegations.
A court found Khan guilty of not declaring money earned from selling gifts he received in office. He denies the charges and says he will appeal.
After the verdict, police took Khan into custody from his home in Lahore.
In a pre-recorded statement posted after the verdict, he urged supporters to fight against the ruling.
“I have only one appeal, don’t sit at home silently,” he said in a video address posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I am struggling for you and the country and your children’s future.”
The former cricketer-turned-politician, 70, became PM in 2018, but in a no-confidence vote last year, he lost his seat after falling out with Pakistan’s powerful military.
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100 Cases
Khan is facing more than 100 cases. He says the charges are political.
Saturday’s verdict centred on charges that he incorrectly declared details of presents from foreign dignitaries and proceeds from their alleged sale.
The gifts – reported to be worth more than 140m Pakistani rupees ($635,000; £500,000) – included Rolex watches, a ring and a pair of cuff links.
Judge Humayun wrote, “His dishonesty has been established beyond doubt.” Outside the courthouse, some pro-government demonstrators chanted “your show is over Khan”.
Judge Dilawar said he instructed police to arrest Khan immediately. Within 15 minutes of the verdict, footage began to circulate on social media showing a line of police cars and trucks taking him away.
Imran Khan’s lawyer, Intazar Hussain Panjutha, told the BBC that the trial had been conducted by “a kangaroo-type court” in which “the accused was never given the opportunity to defend himself”.
