ISLAMABAD Dec 20 An accountability court has sentenced Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years of imprisonment each in the Toshakhana-II case, along with a combined fine of Rs164 million.
The verdict was announced by Special Judge Central Arjumand Shah inside Adiala Jail, where both accused were present. However, none of their defense lawyers appeared in court at the time of the verdict.
The court also awarded seven years’ imprisonment each under Section 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code, and after combining sentences under different charges, the total punishment for both was set at 17 years each.
Background of the Case
-
On July 13, 2024, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in Adiala Jail in the Toshakhana-II case.
-
They remained in NAB custody for 37 days.
-
After completing the investigation, NAB filed a reference on August 20, 2024.
-
Following the Supreme Court’s decision restoring NAB amendments, the case was transferred to the FIA Anti-Corruption Court on September 9, 2024.
-
The FIA added charges under Section 5 of the Anti-Corruption Act and Section 409 PPC.
-
The trial formally began on September 16, 2024, inside Adiala Jail.
Bail and Trial Proceedings
-
Bushra Bibi was granted bail by the Islamabad High Court on October 23, 2024, and released a day later.
-
Imran Khan was granted bail in the case on November 20, 2024.
-
Formal charges were framed on December 12, 2024.
-
The trial continued for nearly one year, with over 80 hearings held inside Adiala Jail.
Witnesses and Prosecution
-
The case had 24 prosecution witnesses, out of which 20 recorded statements and faced cross-examination.
-
Key witnesses included:
-
Former Military Secretary Brigadier (R) Muhammad Ahmed
-
Private appraiser Sohail Abbas
-
Former Principal Secretary Inamullah
-
-
The FIA prosecution team dropped four witnesses.
-
The prosecution team included Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi, Barrister Umair Majid Malik, Bilal Butt, and Shahwaiz Gilani.
-
The defense was led by Arshad Tabriz, Qausain Faisal Mufti, and Barrister Salman Safdar.
Allegations
The prosecution alleged that in 2021, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi received a Bulgari jewelry set from the Saudi Crown Prince, valued at over Rs715 million according to FIA records.
It was alleged that:
-
The gift was not deposited in the Toshakhana.
-
The accused deliberately got the jewelry undervalued at Rs59 million through a private appraiser.
-
Influence was allegedly used to obtain a lower valuation.
-
The jewelry included a necklace, bracelet, ring, and earrings.
Private appraiser Sohail Abbas testified that pressure was exerted by Inam Shah, the former private secretary, to undervalue the jewelry.