Khan's imprisonment on August 5 stemmed from a three-year jail sentence for the alleged unlawful sale of state gifts during his tenure as the nation's prime minister from 2018 to 2022.

The legal development comes amidst the backdrop of an impending national election, with the Election Commission of Pakistan having previously barred Khan from participating in elections for a five-year period due to his conviction.

Khan's lawyer, Naeem Panjutha, announced the suspension of the conviction, stating: "Our application has been accepted, and the sentence has been suspended," through the platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Khan's legal team lodged an appeal against his conviction, asserting that he had been found guilty without being afforded the opportunity to present a defense in his favor.

Additionally, the court has ordered Khan's release on bail, as confirmed by another member of his legal team, Shoaib Shaheen. However, the actual release remains uncertain due to existing court orders for his arrest in other ongoing cases.

Imran Khan is currently facing a multitude of legal cases, encompassing charges such as abetment to murder, leaking state secrets, and organizing violent protests. He has already been arrested in connection with another case that involves allegations of leaking state secrets and compromising national security.

The impact of the lifted ban on Khan's participation in elections remains to be seen, as legal and political dynamics continue to evolve around the former prime minister's legal battles and his ambitions within the political landscape. (ILKHA)