Islamabad High Court Grants Bail to Imran Khan in Toshakhana Case, Orders Release

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court has granted bail to Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in the Toshakhana-II case. The court approved his post-arrest bail application, setting a bond of Rs. 1 million for each of the two sureties, and ordered his release from custody.
The hearing for Imran Khan’s bail application took place in the Islamabad High Court. The FIA prosecutor argued that, regardless of the court’s decision, it was already widely speculated in the media that the bail would be granted. In response, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked that if the media didn’t create sensationalism, how would they stay in business?
Imran Khan’s lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, presented arguments stating that the allegations against Khan were based on claims of using his influence for personal gain. He pointed out that the charge sheet mentioned the name of Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, but failed to identify the primary accused. He also highlighted that the case was registered over three years late, and argued that there was no clear evidence of any criminal activity.
Barrister Safdar further argued that the gifts in question were acquired in accordance with the Toshakhana policy of 2018, and that they were properly paid for as per the policy’s valuation. He stated that the valuation of the gifts had been approved by customs and appraisers at the time, and now, after over three years, the authorities were changing their stance.
During the proceedings, Justice Aurangzeb made notable remarks about the secrecy surrounding the Toshakhana details under the previous government, saying that they had always concealed this information despite repeated requests.
The prosecutor for FIA contended that Imran Khan and his wife had allegedly undervalued state gifts, causing financial loss to the state. When questioned by the judge, the prosecutor argued that both Khan and his wife benefited from this undervaluation.
The court raised questions about the actions taken against customs officers who had allegedly misvalued the gifts. The prosecutor acknowledged the negligence but clarified that it did not amount to criminal misconduct, and no departmental action had been recommended by NAB.
After a brief recess, the court resumed hearings and eventually granted Imran Khan bail. The court cautioned that if the bail was misused, it could be revoked.
In conclusion, the Islamabad High Court ordered the release of Imran Khan in the Toshakhana-II case against the submission of two surety bonds of Rs. 1 million each. The court emphasized that if there was any misuse of the bail, it could withdraw the decision.