Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years in Toshakhana Corruption Case

Imran Khan's Legal Troubles Deepen

Islamabad: A court in Pakistan has sentenced Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and former Prime Minister, along with his wife Bushra Bibi, to 17 years in prison related to the Toshakhana-2 corruption case, as reported by local news outlets.

The case centers around the acquisition of a luxurious jewelry set, which was a gift from the Saudi crown prince during an official visit in May 2021, purchased at a significantly reduced price.

Judge Shahrukh Arjumand of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) delivered the verdict during a session held at Rawalpindi's Adiala jail, where Khan is currently incarcerated.

The sentence includes 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for various offenses under the Pakistan Penal Code, along with an additional seven years under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Bushra Bibi received the same 17-year sentence under the same legal statutes.

Both were also fined Rs 16.4 million, with the possibility of extended imprisonment if they fail to pay.

According to a report from the leading daily Dawn, the court took into account Imran Khan's age and Bushra's gender when determining the sentences, opting for a more lenient approach.

In response to the ruling, the legal representatives for both Imran and Bushra announced plans to appeal the decision in a higher court.

The couple was indicted in December of the previous year, and both denied the allegations in October, labeling them as politically motivated attempts to remove Khan from the political arena.

During his testimony, Imran Khan rejected the prosecution's claims, asserting that the case was 'malicious, fabricated, and politically engineered.'

He maintained that he did not meet the definition of a 'public servant' under the law and claimed ignorance of the specific details regarding the gift to his wife during his time as Prime Minister.

Khan emphasized that all protocols outlined in the Toshakhana Policy of 2018 were adhered to, stating that the gift was duly reported to the PM Office's protocol section, evaluated, and legally retained after payment to the national treasury.

He affirmed, 'We complied with the Toshakhana Policy in letter and spirit.'