Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been indicted in a new Toshakhana case, marking the third graft reference against them. The indictment involves the couple’s purchase of an expensive Bulgari jewelry set at a significantly reduced price.
The indictment was held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan was presented before the court. Bushra Bibi, who is on bail in the case, attended with her lawyer. The couple both denied the charges related to the jewelry set. Special Court Central-I Judge Shahrukh Arjumand presided over the session and scheduled the prosecution witnesses to testify on December 18.
In the earlier Toshakhana cases, Imran’s sentences were suspended.
Allegations Against the Couple
The new Toshakhana case revolves around the couple’s alleged retention of a Bulgari jewelry set gifted by a foreign leader. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) claims the jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings, was purchased at an undervalued price, leading to a significant loss for the national exchequer. Imran Khan’s legal team has rejected the accusations, stating that the jewelry was acquired according to the 2018 Toshakhana policy, with payments made as per valuations by customs and appraisers. They also suggested that the appraiser, Sohaib Abbasi, was pressured into changing his statement to implicate Imran.
Previous Legal Challenges
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s legal battles are numerous. They were both acquitted in the Iddat case in July 2024, and Bushra was granted bail in the Toshakhana case on October 24, 2024. Imran, who was arrested on August 5, 2023, remains.
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The NAB claims that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi unlawfully retained 58 of the 108 gifts they received from foreign dignitaries, valued at Rs142 million. The gifts in question allegedly included items given to Bushra during a visit to Saudi Arabia in May 2021.
Impact on the Political Landscape
This new indictment adds to the growing number of legal challenges faced by Imran Khan and his family. The case also comes amid political turmoil, with several other PTI leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, facing charges related to the May 9 riots. While the couple denies all charges, the ongoing legal proceedings continue to shape their political future.
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