The timing of the sentencing of Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi is deemed crucial, sparking discussions and questions in political circles. The decision to sentence the founder of PTI and former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, along with former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to 10 years in prison in the cipher case is raising concerns about its impact on the upcoming general elections on February 8.

Political observers emphasize the significance of the timing, occurring just eight days before the elections. This development is viewed as particularly important given that PTI candidates are already disheartened due to not receiving the bat symbol for their election campaign. The news of Imran Khan’s sentencing has added to their disillusionment, diminishing their morale. PTI candidates, instead of relying on their work or manifesto, have been banking on the popularity of Imran Khan in their campaigns.

The sentence has not only demoralized Imran Khan but has also disrupted his strategic approach of avoiding legal complications through absenteeism and frequent changes in legal representation. Imran Khan’s reliance on lawyers has created an impression within PTI that he is immune to punishment. The failure of this strategy has dealt a blow to his overconfidence, marking a departure from the previous narrative that Imran Khan would escape legal consequences.