RAWALPINDI: special court on Saturday sentenced former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison each after finding them guilty in a corruption case linked to Toshakhana gifts.
According to the verdict announced by Judge Shahrukh Arjumand, Imran Khan was handed 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 409 (criminal breach of trust) along with an additional seven years under Section 5/2/47 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Bushra Bibi received the same punishment under the same legal provisions.
Both were indicted in December 2024. The case revolves around allega hitions that the couple acquired an expensive Bulgari jewelry set at a price far below its actual market value.
Charges were formally framed on December 12, 2024. Initially, the case was heard by NAB, where six hearings took place before it was shifted to the FIA following a Supreme Court ruling.
The inquiry began on January 7, 2024, and was completed by NAB on July 12. Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were arrested a day later, on July 13. The reference was filed on August 20, while a plea challenging NAB amendments was submitted to the Supreme Court on September 6.
After the Supreme Court’s decision on September 9, the case was transferred to the FIA, with the first hearing held on September 10. Following the restoration of NAB amendments, the case was again moved, and records were presented on September 11. Proceedings before the Special Judge (Central) formally began on September 16, and witness testimony started on September 18.
On October 23, the Islamabad High Court granted bail to both accused under Section 4-A.
The prosecution claims the accused retained several gifted items ,such as earrings, a necklace, rings, and watches—after intentionally undervaluing them. NAB investigated four specific gifts: diamond earrings, a necklace, a ring, and a bracelet.
Two of these items were collectively valued at 380,000 euros (over Rs71 million) based on 2021 market rates. The jewelry was originally sold by Bulgari to a company named Subhan. It is alleged that two items, a bracelet and a ring, were valued at Rs5.8 million, allowing the accused to retain them after paying only Rs2.9 million.
The reference in the Toshakhana-II case was officially filed on January 7, 2024.
