Govt backs Toshakhana 2 verdict, calls Imran Khan’s sentence lawful

The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has strongly welcomed the Toshakhana 2 verdict against PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, calling the decision lawful, justified, and long overdue.

Government ministers say the punishment reflects the gravity of the offence and sends a clear message that misuse of state trust will not be tolerated.

A special court on Saturday sentenced former prime minister Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison each in the Toshakhana 2 case, which revolves around the under-priced purchase of luxury state gifts, including a high-value Bulgari jewellery set. The court also imposed total fines of Rs16.4 million on the couple.

Government calls verdict “justice served”

Reacting to the ruling, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the Toshakhana 2 verdict reaction within the government was unanimous, as the case involved deliberate fraud that caused massive losses to the national exchequer. He alleged that luxury gifts were intentionally undervalued so that a much smaller amount could be paid to the state, while the items were kept for personal use.

Tarar claimed Bushra Bibi retained the gifts and benefited financially, adding that the damage to the public treasury ran into millions of rupees. He further clarified that the 17-year sentence will begin after the completion of the 14-year punishment in the £190 million case, meaning the sentences will run consecutively.

Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik echoed the same view, saying the judgment was fully in line with the Constitution and existing laws. He stated that the Bulgari jewellery set was deliberately assessed at a much lower value, violating Toshakhana rules.

“Clear breach of trust,” say ministers

Minister of State for Railways and Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani stressed that depositing gifts in the Toshakhana is mandatory for public office holders. He said fraud was committed by purchasing the gifts at throwaway prices, calling it a clear violation of established procedures.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry described the case as “open and shut,” saying conviction was inevitable due to the strength of evidence. He remarked that even basic household items were not left behind, alleging that a rare necklace worth billions globally was wrongly valued to retain it after paying a negligible amount.

Chaudhry added that Toshakhana gifts are a trust held on behalf of the state, and that trust was blatantly breached. He also regretted the delay in the verdict, saying the case could have been decided within weeks rather than taking over a year. The Toshakhana 2 verdict reaction, he said, would have been even stronger had justice been delivered earlier.

Inside the court proceedings

Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand delivered the verdict after more than 80 hearings held at Adiala Jail. The court awarded 10 years’ imprisonment under Section 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code and an additional seven years under Section 5 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947, along with hefty fines.

The case began on July 13, 2024, when the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi at Adiala Jail. After 37 days of investigation, NAB filed a reference on August 20, 2024. Following a Supreme Court ruling on NAB laws, the case was shifted to the FIA Anti-Corruption Court in September 2024.

The prosecution presented 21 witnesses, including former military secretary Brigadier (retd) Muhammad Ahmad and private appraiser Sohaib Abbasi. After nearly a year-long trial, the court concluded that the offence was proven beyond doubt.