Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has been sentenced to three years in jail after being found guilty of corruption charges.

The court in Islamabad ruled that he failed to disclose money earned from selling state gifts, but he maintains his innocence and plans to appeal the verdict.

Following the court's decision, Mr. Khan was taken into custody from his residence in Lahore. In a pre-recorded statement on X (formerly known as Twitter), he urged his supporters not to remain silent.

The 70-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician was elected in 2018 but was removed from office through a no-confidence vote last year due to his disagreement with Pakistan's powerful military. Since his removal, he has faced more than 100 cases, which he claims are politically motivated.

The recent verdict specifically focused on allegations that he inaccurately declared details of presents from foreign dignitaries and the proceeds from their alleged sale, including Rolex watches, a ring, and a pair of cuff links, amounting to more than 140 million Pakistani rupees ($635,000).

Mr. Khan's barrister, Gohar Khan, expressed outrage over the verdict, describing it as "a murder of justice" and asserting that they were not given a fair chance to defend their case.

As the court's decision was announced, a crowd, including some prosecuting lawyers, gathered outside the building, chanting "Imran Khan is a thief.

His party, Tehreek-e-Insaf, confirmed to the BBC that after being arrested in Lahore, Mr. Khan was flown to the capital, Islamabad, to begin serving his sentence.

For months he had avoided arrest, with his supporters at times fighting pitched battles with police to keep him out of custody.

In May, Mr. Khan was arrested for not appearing in court as requested. He was then released, with the arrest declared illegal.

Since then, his party has been under intense pressure from the authorities.

Many senior officials have left and thousands of supporters have been arrested, accused of being involved in the protests that followed Mr Khan's arrest.

Pakistan's army plays a prominent role in politics, sometimes seizing power in military coups, and, on other occasions, pulling levers behind the scenes.

Many analysts believe Mr. Khan's election win in 2018 happened with the help of the military.

In opposition, he has been one of its most vocal critics, and analysts say the army's popularity has fallen.

Since being ousted, Mr. Khan has been campaigning for early elections.

A conviction would disqualify Mr. Khan from standing for office, possibly for life.

Pakistan's parliament will be dissolved on August 9, leaving a caretaker government to take over in the run-up to the elections.

No election date has been announced, although constitutionally they should take place by early November.

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