Islamabad (Pakistan), 20 Dec. (LaPresse/AP) – Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been sentenced to 17 years in prison for corruption, for keeping and selling state gifts. The couple pleaded not guilty when they were charged last year. They were accused of selling the gifts, including jewellery from the Saudi government, at prices well below their market value during Khan's term in office. According to prosecutors, the former prime minister and his wife declared the value of the gifts at just over £7,000, well below their actual market value of £195,000, which allowed them to purchase the items at a reduced price. Under Pakistani law, in order for government officials and politicians to keep gifts received from foreign dignitaries, they must purchase them at their estimated market value and declare any proceeds from their sale.
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