Islamabad, Pakistan – A court in Pakistan has dismissed the appeal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to overturn a ruling that their marriage in 2018 violated Islamic law.

The decision by the Islamabad court on Thursday means that both Khan and his wife will continue to serve their sentence in jail.

The seven-year jail term was initially handed down on February 3, just days before the country's general elections and following previous convictions against Khan that were later overturned.

Bibi's former husband, Khawar Maneka, filed the marriage violation case last year, alleging that Bibi did not observe the required waiting period under Islamic law before marrying Khan.

Maneka claimed that he divorced Bibi in November 2017, while Khan announced his marriage to Bibi in February 2018, months before becoming the prime minister.

Despite multiple appeals by the couple to suspend the conviction, the court maintained its ruling, with another appeal scheduled to be heard on July 2.

Sayed Zulfiqar Bukhari, a senior leader of Khan's party, criticized the court's decision, emphasizing the impact on Khan and his wife.

Another PTI leader, Omar Ayub Khan, expressed disappointment with the ruling and stated that an appeal would be lodged.

The party warned of a potential political crisis if Khan was not released, highlighting his past acquittals or bail in various cases during his imprisonment.

Rana Sanaullah of the ruling PMLN party accused Khan of attempting to destabilize the country with his actions.

Following the overturning of previous convictions, the couple has faced ongoing legal challenges, with Khan still incarcerated due to the marriage violation case.

The court granted Khan bail in a separate land deal case this month, where he was accused of financial misconduct.

Former PM Shehbaz Sharif alleged judicial bias in favor of Khan, criticizing the handling of corruption charges against him.

Khan's removal from office in 2022 was attributed to a no-confidence vote amid allegations of external interference and military involvement.

The military's influence in Pakistani politics and Khan's subsequent arrest intensified political unrest, leading to mass arrests and a crackdown on PTI supporters.