Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi sentenced to 17 years in prison: what's the Toshakhana case about?
Islamabad (The Uttam Hindu): Former Pakistani Prime Minister and founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi suffered a major setback. A special court of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Saturday sentenced them to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana-2 case.
The court also imposed a fine of 16.4 million Pakistani rupees on both of them. Failure to pay the fine will result in additional punishment. Special Judge (Central) Shahrukh Arjumand delivered the verdict during a hearing at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where Imran Khan is already lodged, Pakistani media outlet The Dawn reported. The case dates back to May 2021, when the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia gifted Imran Khan an expensive Bulgari jewelry set during an official visit. It is alleged that this expensive gift was later purchased from the government treasury at a much lower price, a violation of regulations.
During the trial, Imran Khan, in his statement recorded before the special court under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), rejected the prosecution's allegations, alleging that the entire case was malicious, fabricated, and politically motivated.
He argued that he does not fall under the category of public servant under the Pakistan Penal Code because, despite being the Prime Minister, he was not aware of the specific details of the gift given to his wife. The PTI founder said that due process was followed as per the Toshakhana Policy 2018. The donation was duly reported to the Protocol Section of the Prime Minister's Office, evaluated, and after the payment was deposited in the national treasury, it was legally retained. He said that we have followed the Toshakhana Policy in letter and spirit.
The court sentenced Imran Khan to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 34 and Section 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code, and seven years under Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Bushra Bibi was also sentenced to a total of 17 years under the same sections. The court order stated that Imran Khan's age and Bushra Bibi's female status were taken into account when determining the sentence. Based on this, a relatively lenient and reduced sentence was imposed. The court also stated that the period already served in prison would be added to the sentence. Following the verdict, lawyers for Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi indicated that they would challenge the decision in the High Court.
Both were charged in the case in December last year. In October this year, Imran and Bushra Bibi denied all charges, calling it a political conspiracy.