Former PM, spouse term 17-year sentences politically motivated, seek to overturn verdict
ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi on Monday filed separate appeals in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) challenging their 17-year prison sentences in the Toshakhana-2 case, describing the verdict as politically motivated and part of a broader campaign of victimisation.
The appeals contest the December 20 conviction by a special judge, who sentenced both Imran and Bushra to 17 years’ imprisonment and fined them Rs16.4 million for allegedly purchasing a luxury Bulgari jewellery set from the state Toshakhana at a grossly undervalued price.
Grounds for appeal
The couple’s petitions argue that the prosecution failed to establish the case beyond doubt. Key points raised include:
- Reliance on the testimony of an approver, Sohaib Abbasi, which the appellants contend cannot legally form the basis of a conviction.
- Allegations that multiple punishments were wrongly awarded for the same offence.
- Claims that the special central court lacked jurisdiction.
- Assertion that the Bulgari set was retained in compliance with Toshakhana rules for former rulers and that the case was filed without proper investigation.
Both Imran and Bushra have termed the case a politically motivated effort to target them. The IHC assigned diary number 24560 to Imran’s petition and 24561 to Bushra’s appeal.
Case background
The Toshakhana-2 case relates to a Bulgari jewellery set gifted by the Saudi crown prince, valued at over Rs71 million, which the prosecution says was deliberately undervalued at Rs5.9 million. The set included a necklace, bracelet, ring, and earrings, and was neither properly deposited in the Toshakhana nor correctly appraised.
The case was launched on July 13, 2024, when the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) took both into custody for 37 days. After procedural transfers following Supreme Court rulings, the trial began on September 16, 2024, in Adiala Jail under Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand. Over 80 hearings were conducted, and statements of 24 witnesses were recorded, including former military secretary Brig. (retd) Muhammad Ahmad, private appraiser Sohaib Abbasi, and Imran Khan’s former principal secretary Inam Shah.
Bushra Bibi was granted bail on October 23, 2024, while Imran Khan received bail on November 20, 2024. Charges were formally framed on December 12, 2024.
Legal and political implications
The Toshakhana-2 conviction adds to Imran Khan’s ongoing legal challenges. He has been in jail since August 2023, serving a separate 14-year sentence in a land corruption case, and faces multiple other cases ranging from corruption to terrorism-related allegations, all of which he and the PTI deny.
The IHC will now review the appeals, which could determine whether the convictions are upheld, reduced, or overturned, adding another chapter to the former PM’s ongoing legal and political saga.
