A special court of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Saturday sentenced PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years imprisonment in the Toshakhana-2 case. The case pertains to the purchase of an expensive Bulgari jewellery set, gifteed to Imran by the Saudi crown prince during an official visit in May 2021, at a throwaway price. The verdict was delivered by Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand during a hearing held at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, where Imran is incarcerated.

Imran was sentenced to a total of 17 years in prison; he was awarded 10-year rigorous imprisonment under Section 409 (criminal breach of trust) and seven years under Section 5(2)47 (criminal misconduct by public servants) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.Bushra Bibi was also sentenced to a total of 17 years’ imprisonment under the same provisions. Both of them were also fined Rs16.4 million in fines. As per the law, a failure to pay the fines will result in additional jail time.

“This court, while passing sentences has considered the old age of Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi, as well as the fact that Bushra Imran Khan is a female. It is in consideration of both said factors that a lenient view has been taken in awarding lesser punishment.” It added that the benefit of Section 382-B (period of detention to be considered while awarding sentence of imprisonment) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) was “hereby given to the convicts”.

After the verdict, Imran and Bushra’s legal teams indicated their intention to challenge the decision before the high court. The two were indicted in the case last year in December. Earlier this year in October, Imran and Bushra Bibi denied all allegations in case, terming it a fabricated and politically motivated attempt to disqualify him from politics. Recording his statement under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) before a special court, Imran had rejected the prosecution’s narrative in the case.

He alleged that the entire case was “malicious, fabricated, and politically engineered”. He further contended that he did not qualify as a “public servant” under the Pakistan Penal Code, arguing that even in his capacity as prime minister, he was unaware of the specific details of the gift, which he said was presented to his wife. The PTI founder maintained that due process was followed in accordance with the Toshakhana Policy 2018.

He said the gift was duly reported to the PM Office protocol section, assessed, and legally retained after payment was deposited into the national exchequer. “We complied with the Toshakhana Policy in letter and spirit,” he said. This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)