Fresh revelations in the Toshakhana II case have intensified scrutiny of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. A key witness testified that both instructed officials not to deposit expensive gifts from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman into the Toshakhana, raising questions about compliance with official procedures.
Former military secretary Brigadier (retd) Muhammad Ahmad told the court that the gifts, received during a Saudi visit in May 2021, included a Bulgari jewellery set, oud, olive oil, dates, and a book. He said representatives of the Foreign Ministry photographed the items under official protocol, and the Prime Minister’s Office was informed in writing, but the gifts were later handled differently.
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Ahmad further stated that Bushra Bibi deposited Rs2.9 million into the treasury after the items were valued at Rs2,914,500. He maintained that the Toshakhana Section did not object, while valuation matters were dealt with by the deputy military secretary on the prime minister’s orders. However, investigators claim this valuation was deliberately manipulated.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) argued in court that the Bulgari set alone was worth far more than declared. A private appraiser valued it at Rs5.9 million, while its actual market price exceeded Rs70 million, with a necklace alone sold previously for €300,000. By undervaluing the items, the national exchequer allegedly suffered losses of around Rs35 million.
Further confessional statements have implicated former personal secretary Inamullah Shah and private appraiser Sohaib Abbasi. Shah admitted to pressuring Abbasi to undervalue the jewellery, while Abbasi confirmed he complied out of fear of being blacklisted from government contracts. Both testimonies have reinforced NAB’s reference that the Saudi gifts were deliberately undervalued and never deposited in Toshakhana as required.
NAB’s reference also highlighted that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi received a total of 108 gifts from foreign dignitaries during his tenure from 2018 to 2022. Investigators now argue that the Saudi Bulgari set represents one of the most serious violations, deepening the controversy surrounding the former prime minister’s handling of state gifts.