Imran Khan and wife Bushra Bibi sentenced to 14 years in prison and disqualified from holding public office for 10 years in Pakistan. The couple was convicted of receiving gifts from foreign dignitaries and not declaring them in their taxes. This is the latest development in legal challenges that Khan has faced since he was removed from office in April 2022.
The founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan and wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 14 years in prison each and disqualified from holding public office for 10 years in the Toshakhana case. The case involves the illegal acquisition and sale of precious gifts stored in the state-run treasury called Toshakhana. The Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir also imposed a hefty fine of Rs787 million on the couple.
Barrister Ali Zafar, Imran Khan’s lawyer, intended to challenge the verdict in the Islamabad High Court (IHC). The PTI termed the decision a “complete destruction of every existing law in Pakistan“. Moreover, Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, criticized the judicial system. While other PTI leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the trial’s speed and fairness.
Following the court’s decision, Bushra Bibi surrendered to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) officials at Adiala jail after the 14-year imprisonment and Rs787 million fine were awarded. The former first lady along with Aleema Khan reached Bani Gala after her residence was declared as ‘sub jail’.
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Background
The Toshakhana case centers on allegations that Imran Khan and his wife received gifts from foreign dignitaries during his tenure as prime minister. The NAB filed the case, claiming the couple retained 58 gift sets against an undervalued amount of Rs142.1 million. However, the specific focus of the case is the Graff jewelry set received from the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.
Imran Khan’s lawyer, Ali Zafar, argued that the legal and constitutional aspects were neglected in the verdict. The PTI plans to apply to suspend the decision and appeal the conviction in higher courts.
The PTI criticized the trial as a “kangaroo court” and questioned the fairness of the legal process. The PML-N accused Imran Khan of being a “certified Toshakhana thief,” alleging a team’s involvement in undervaluing gifts for profit.
The PTI plans to appeal both the Toshakhana and cypher case convictions in higher courts. The party also emphasized the need for a fair trial. The party urged supporters to focus on the February 8, 2024, upcoming polls.
Concerns and Analysis
Political analysts raised concerns about the timing of the conviction and questioned the PTI’s legal team’s conduct. The PTI accused the judicial system of disregard for the law, while critics highlighted potential flaws in the legal proceedings. However, the Toshakhana case adds to the challenges faced by Imran Khan’s political career. It comes with legal battles intensifying ahead of the upcoming elections.