Islamabad, Dec. 20 -- Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 17 years of imprisonment each by a special court of the country's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Saturday in the Toshakhana-2 corruption case, triggering widespread criticism from ordinary citizens who termed the verdict "politically motivated" and a "farce" that has further eroded public trust in Pakistan's judicial system and democratic institutions.

The verdict announced concerns a case involving allegations of undervaluing a high-value Bulgari jewellery set, reportedly worth more than PKR 71 million, which was received from the Saudi Crown Prince. The valuation was also confirmed by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs,...