The PML-N government praised Saturday’s Toshakhana-2 ruling sentencing PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years each, with ministers calling it a fair application of the law in the case of undervalued luxury state gifts.
A special court convicted the ousted premier and his spouse for acquiring high-end items at fraudulent low prices.
Ministers Defend Verdict
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar described the decision as justice served, alleging state gifts were deliberately undervalued to minimize payments, causing millions in losses to the national treasury.
He accused Bushra Bibi of retaining the gifts for personal gain after defrauding the state through manipulated assessments.
Tarar noted the 17-year terms would follow completion of their sentences in the 190 million pounds case.
Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik affirmed the ruling aligns with constitutional and legal standards, pointing to the couple’s role in securing a Bulgari set at an artificially reduced value.
Minister of State for Railways and Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani stressed that Toshakhana deposits were compulsory, labeling the purchase a blatant fraud at a fraction of true worth.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry called it a positive outcome, regretting the delay that fueled PTI doubts. He deemed it an airtight case with no viable defense, noting they left no minor items behind while pocketing a priceless necklace via false valuation.
Chaudhry emphasized Toshakhana gifts are held in trust by leaders, and this breached that duty. He criticized the 14-15 month timeline, saying it could have wrapped up in weeks.
Case Timeline and Details
Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand issued the verdict after 80 hearings at Adiala Jail.
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi each got 10 years under PPC Section 409 (criminal breach of trust) plus 7 years under Section 5 of the 1947 Prevention of Corruption Act, with Rs16.4 million fines total.
NAB arrested them July 13, 2024, holding custody 37 days before filing charges August 20. Post-Supreme Court NAB ruling, it shifted to FIA Anti-Corruption Court September 9, adding PCA and PPC charges. Trial started September 16.
Bushra Bibi won IHC bail October 23 (released next day); Imran got bail November 20. Charges framed December 12, 2024; trial spanned nearly a year.
Prosecution presented 21 witnesses, cross-examining 18 key ones like ex-military secretary Brig (retd) Muhammad Ahmad, appraiser Sohaib Abbasi, and Imran’s former principal secretary Inamullah.
FIA team led by Federal Prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi, with Barristers Umair Majeed Malik, Bilal Butt, and Shahvez Gilani. Defense: Arshad Tabrez, Qausain Faisal Mufti, Barrister Salman Safdar.
