Imran and Bushra sentenced to 17 years in Toshakhana-2 case

A special court on Saturday sentenced Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years imprisonment each in what is known as the Toshakhana-2 case.

- Tariq Butt

Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand pronounced the verdict after conducting 80 hearings at Adiala Jail Rawalpindi. The case involves the acquisition of an expensive Bulgari jewellery set at a nominal price from the Toshakhana when Khan was the prime minister.

The judgment said Imran and Bushra were jailed for 10 years each under sections 34 and 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and an additional seven years' imprisonment each under Section 5 of the Prevention Corruption Act (PCA) 1947.

They were also fined a total of Rs16.4 million. The court, while passing the sentences, considered Imran Khan's old age and the fact that Bushra Bibi is a woman, the verdict said.

"Taking these factors into account, a lenient approach was adopted in awarding lesser punishment. Additionally, the benefit of Section 382-B of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been extended to both convicts," the judgment read.

PTI denounced the verdict in a statement, calling it "a black chapter in history," and said Imran was present in the court when the judge announced the verdict in the Adiala Jail.

The PTI, in a post on X, said that Imran Khan's family was not allowed inside the jail, where a "kangaroo court announced the verdict."