Pakistan court sentences former PM Imran Khan, wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years of jail in Toshakhana corruption case
The case revolves around a high-value Bulgari jewellery set gifted to former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan by the Saudi crown prince during an official visit by the former first couple in May 2021.
PTC News Desk: A special court in Pakistan on Saturday sentenced former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years of jail in Toshakhana corruption case.
The case revolves around a high-value Bulgari jewellery set gifted to former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan by the Saudi crown prince during an official visit by the former first couple in May 2021. Authorities allege that the set was later purchased at a significantly undervalued price. The verdict was delivered by Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand during proceedings held at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, where Imran Khan is currently incarcerated.
Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code for criminal breach of trust, along with an additional seven years under various provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Their legal counsel said the verdict would be challenged in the High Court.
In October, both Khan and Bushra Bibi had denied all allegations, describing the case as fabricated and politically motivated, aimed at sidelining him from active politics.
Imran Khan has been behind bars since August 2023 and is already serving a 14-year sentence in a €190 million corruption case. He is also facing ongoing trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to the May 9, 2023 protests. Bushra Bibi is serving a seven-year sentence in the same corruption case.
The latest conviction comes amid increasing criticism of the Pakistani government over Khan’s treatment in jail. Even the United Nations has called for his immediate release from solitary confinement. Earlier this week, Khan’s sons, Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Isa Khan, raised concerns about his prison conditions, alleging that he has been held in solitary confinement for nearly two years and expressing fears that they may never see him again.