Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan expected to be indicted – Photo: The New York Times

An Islamabad district and sessions court is expected to indict ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan in a case of misleading Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) officials today.

The case was filed by the ECP last year in November under allegations that Khan did not declare the true value of gifts received from foreign dignitaries during his tenure as Prime Minister. The ECP disqualified Khan as a member of the country’s National Assembly in October and also filed separate charges against him related to corrupt practices.

After losing the no-confidence vote in April last year, Khan is fighting multiple charges filed against him in concurrent cases apart from this one. Khan’s future in Pakistani politics is uncertain right as he eyes an election win later this year. He will need to be cleared of all charges against him if he wishes to contest again.

While Khan’s indictment is likely to proceed, ambiguity persists regarding his conviction and whether he will be subject to a term of imprisonment, a fine or both. His disqualification from the National Assembly is also inconclusive and is seen more as a message from the ECP rather than a ban from politics. Out on interim bail, the ex-Prime Minister could see his bail revoked if he skips appearing at the next hearing of the prohibited funding case on February 15, another case he is charged in.