Throughout Pakistan’s political history, numerous prominent politicians have faced imprisonment as a result of corruption charges, power struggles, or their opposition to the ruling regime. These incarcerations often reflect the tumultuous nature of the country’s politics and the ongoing fight for transparency, accountability, and democracy. This overview offers a glimpse into the lives and careers of some of Pakistan’s most notable politicians who have experienced jail time, shedding light on the circumstances that led to their arrests and the impact of these events on their political journeys.
Nawaz Sharif
Nawaz Sharif, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2018 for corruption charges related to Panama Papers. He served for over a year before being released on bail due to medical grounds.
Asif Ali Zardari
Asif Ali Zardari, former President of Pakistan. Has faced multiple imprisonments throughout his political career. His most recent arrest in 2019 was due to money laundering charges, but he was granted bail in 2020 on medical grounds.
Shehbaz Sharif
Shehbaz Sharif, brother of Nawaz Sharif and current Prime Minister of Pakistan. He was arrested in 2020 on charges of money laundering and assets beyond means. He spent almost 7 months in jail before being granted bail in 2021.
Rana Sanaullah
Rana Sanaullah, a senior leader of PML-N. He was arrested in 2019 on charges of drug trafficking. He spent six months in jail before being released on bail.
Imran Khan
While Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and the leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Has faced legal challenges and house arrest during his political career, he has not been imprisoned for any significant period.
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the founder of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and former Prime Minister of Pakistan. He was arrested after General Zia-ul-Haq’s military coup in 1977. He was charged with the murder of a political opponent, and despite international outcry and allegations of a rigged trial, Bhutto was executed in 1979.
Altaf Hussain
MQM founder Altaf Hussain was arrested at least three times during his political career since 1979. He was sent to jail for nine months in 1979, four months in 1986 and five months in 1987 in connection with different cases.
Benazir Bhutto
Benazir Bhutto, the 13th former Prime Minister of Pakistan and leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). She was never formally jailed or imprisoned during her political career. However, she did face house arrest and temporary detention on several occasions, particularly during her opposition to General Zia-ul-Haq’s military dictatorship in the 1980s.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif
Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and a prominent leader in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), was arrested in 2018 along with her father in the Avenfield corruption case. The case was linked to the Panama Papers leak, which revealed their ownership of expensive properties in London. She was sentenced to seven years in prison for abetting her father’s corruption but was released on bail after serving a few months in jail.
Author: Zainab Naveed
