Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi indicted in ‘New Toshakhana Case’
A special court in Islamabad has formally indicted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Toshakhana-II case. The charges were framed by Special Court Central-I Judge Shahrukh Arjumand during a hearing at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.
Both Khan and Bushra appeared before the court, with the former prime minister being brought from custody, while his wife attended alongside her lawyer. They pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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The case revolves around allegations of the illegal sale and retention of state gifts, causing a significant loss to the national exchequer. Originally filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the case was later transferred to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) after amendments to the NAB Ordinance. The FIA submitted its final charge sheet in September 2024, following a thorough investigation.
According to the reference, the couple is accused of violating the NAB Ordinance by failing to deposit a valuable jewellery set in the Toshakhana, a state depository for official gifts.
The jewellery set, which included a necklace valued at €300,000 and earrings worth €80,000, was sold in May 2018. By May 2021, its estimated value was Rs70.56 million. According to Toshakhana rules, the couple was required to pay 50% of the jewellery’s value, approximately Rs35.28 million, to retain it. However, they allegedly failed to comply with these regulations.
The reference further claims that Imran Khan retained 58 out of 108 gifts received during his tenure as prime minister, in violation of Toshakhana rules.
The indictment comes months after both Khan and Bushra were arrested in the Toshakhana case on July 13, 2024, the same day they were acquitted in another case. While Bushra Bibi was granted bail and released in October, Imran Khan remains incarcerated due to his involvement in multiple cases.
The couple continues to face legal challenges, with the former prime minister named in 188 cases, and Bushra Bibi also under scrutiny for her alleged role in the Toshakhana case.
The court has summoned prosecution witnesses to testify on December 18, marking a crucial step in the proceedings.
Also Read: IHC warns Bushra Bibi’s bail could be revoked over absence in trial court
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