ISLAMABAD (MNN); Special court on Saturday handed down 17-year prison sentences to PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana-II case linked to the alleged unlawful purchase of an expensive jewellery set.
The reference relates to a Bulgari jewellery set gifted to Imran Khan by the Saudi crown prince during an official visit in May 2021. Prosecutors told the court that the jewellery, valued at around Rs80 million, was retained after being purchased for only Rs2.9 million, causing a loss to the national exchequer.
The verdict was announced by Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand during proceedings held inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan is currently incarcerated.
Under the ruling, Imran Khan received a combined sentence of 17 years, including 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under sections 34 and 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code and seven years under Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Bushra Bibi was awarded the same cumulative sentence under identical legal provisions.
The court also imposed fines of Rs16.4 million on each convict, warning that failure to pay would result in additional imprisonment.
According to the court order, the judge took into account Imran Khan’s age and Bushra Bibi’s status as a woman, noting that a relatively lenient sentence was awarded in view of these considerations. The benefit of Section 382-B of the Criminal Procedure Code, allowing the adjustment of time already spent in custody, was also granted.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the sentence in the Toshakhana-II case would run consecutively, beginning after Imran Khan completes his sentence in the £190 million corruption case.
Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 and is already serving a 14-year sentence in the £190 million case, while also facing multiple trials related to the May 9, 2023 protests. Bushra Bibi is also serving a seven-year sentence in the same corruption reference.
PTI strongly rejected the verdict, describing the jail trial as unfair and politically motivated. The party alleged that family members and legal counsel were barred from attending the proceedings and termed the ruling a “kangaroo court” decision.
Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan criticised the judgment, claiming it was delivered under a pre-written script and warning that public patience was wearing thin. Other PTI leaders also dismissed the case as baseless and lacking credible evidence.
Government ministers, however, defended the ruling. Attaullah Tarar said the verdict proved misuse of authority and breach of public trust. Law Minister Barrister Aqeel Malik and Finance Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani said the decision followed due legal process and established financial wrongdoing.
Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah stated that state gifts belonged to the government, not individuals, and said the case against Imran Khan was fully documented.
