Toshakhana Case: Ex-Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan, Wife Bushra Bibi Sentenced To 17 Years
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Imran Khan (Bushra Bibi), have been sentenced to prison in the Toshakhana 2 corruption case, according to reports by The Dawn.
The case relates to the alleged illegal retention of a luxury Bulgari jewellery set gifted to Khan by the Saudi Crown Prince during an official visit in May 2021.
The prosecution told the court that the jewellery set, valued at around ₹80 million (PKR), was acquired by Khan at a highly undervalued price of Rs 2.9 million.
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It was argued that instead of depositing the gift as per the rules, Khan retained it for personal use, which amounted to a breach of public trust.
The court awarded 10 years of rigorous imprisonment to both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi under Section 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code (criminal breach of trust).
They were also sentenced to seven additional years under various provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. In addition, the court imposed a fine of ₹10 million each.
While passing the sentence, the court noted Khan’s age and Bushra Bibi’s gender and said these factors were considered while awarding a comparatively lenient punishment.
Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), strongly criticised the verdict.
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The party alleged that the trial was conducted behind closed doors inside a jail and described it as a “kangaroo court.” PTI also claimed that Khan’s family members were stopped from entering the jail.
A video shared by the party showed Khan’s sister Aleema Khan questioning why she was not being allowed to proceed.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar welcomed the judgment. He said the sentence would run consecutively, starting after Khan completes his term in the £190 million corruption case.
Tarar accused Khan and his wife of fraud and said their actions amounted to a serious violation of public trust.
(With inputs from agencies)
