Former Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Sentenced to 34 Years in Prison

A Gilgit anti-terrorism court has sentenced former Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khalid Khurshid, to 34 years in prison. The ruling was issued by Judge Rehmat Shah, who also imposed a fine of PKR 600,000 on the former chief minister for issuing threats to security agencies and evading legal proceedings.

Khalid Khurshid, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, was accused of making serious threats against security institutions, including the Chief Secretary and Chief Election Commissioner of Gilgit-Baltistan. The incident occurred during a rally at Ittehad Chowk on July 26, 2024.

A case was filed against Khurshid at the City Police Station in Gilgit. Despite legal notices, the former chief minister remained absent and went into hiding during the trial.

The anti-terrorism court carried out the proceedings in Khurshid’s absence, during which his defense lawyer presented a strong case on his behalf. However, the court found him guilty and directed the Inspector General of Police to arrest Khurshid and transfer him to prison. Additionally, the Director General of NADRA has been ordered to block his national identity card.

In July 2023, the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court disqualified Khalid Khurshid in a fake degree case. The disqualification was initiated under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution following a petition by PPP Assembly Member Ghulam Shehzad Agha.

Khurshid was accused of submitting a fraudulent law degree from Belford University, UK. Although he later presented a degree from the University of London and an equivalency certificate from Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC), these documents were also proven to be counterfeit.