Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years Each in Toshakhana-II Case
Islamabad: In a major development, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, and his wife Bushra Bibi have been sentenced to 17 years of imprisonment each in the Toshakhana-II case. The verdict was announced by Special Judge Central Arjumand Shah at Adiala Jail in the presence of both accused. None of their defence lawyers were present in court at the time of the verdict.
The court awarded Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi seven years’ imprisonment each under Section 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), along with other punishments, bringing the total sentence for each to 17 years. The court also imposed a fine of Rs10 million on both convicts.
### Background of the Case
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana-II case on July 13, 2024, at Adiala Jail. Both remained in NAB’s custody for 37 days. After completing investigations, NAB filed a reference in the accountability court on August 20, 2024.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision restoring NAB amendments, the case was transferred on September 9, 2024, to the FIA Anti-Corruption Court. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) added Section 5 of the Anti-Corruption Act and Section 409 of the PPC to the case.
The trial formally began on September 16, 2024, with Special Judge Central Shah Rukh Arjumand conducting the first hearing at Adiala Jail. On October 23, 2024, the Islamabad High Court granted bail to Bushra Bibi, who was released the following day. Imran Khan was granted bail in the Toshakhana-II case on November 20, 2024. Formal charges were framed against the accused on December 12, 2024.
The trial continued for nearly a year inside Adiala Jail. Out of 21 prosecution witnesses, statements of 18 were recorded and cross-examined, while four witnesses were dropped by the FIA prosecution.
Key witnesses included former Military Secretary Brigadier (retd) Muhammad Ahmed, private appraiser Sohaib Abbasi, and former Principal Secretary to Imran Khan, Inamullah.
### Allegations Against the Accused
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were accused of receiving a Bulgari jewelry set from the Saudi Crown Prince in 2021. According to FIA records, the total value of the jewelry set exceeded Rs71.5 million. The set included a necklace, bracelet, ring, and earrings.
Investigators stated that the jewelry was neither deposited in the Toshakhana nor assessed at its true value. Instead, its price was allegedly undervalued at Rs5.9 million through a private firm. It was further alleged that influence was used to obtain a deliberately low valuation, and that the gift was never properly declared or deposited.
Private appraiser Sohaib Abbasi told investigators that pressure was exerted by the applicant’s private secretary, Inam Shah, to undervalue the jewelry.
The prosecution was led by Federal Prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi, Barrister Umair Majeed Malik, Bilal Butt, and Shahwez Gilani, while the defence team included Arshad Tabrez, Qausain Faisal Mufti, and Barrister Salman Safdar.
The verdict marks a significant legal and political development in the ongoing accountability cases against the former prime minister and his spouse.
