Jailed PTI chairman Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have filed separate appeals in the Islamabad High Court against their 17-year prison sentences in the Toshakhana-2 case, challenging the special court’s December 20 verdict. The convictions relate to the under-priced purchase of a Bulgari jewellery set from the state Toshakhana, with the couple also fined Rs16.4 million each, a decision they claim is politically motivated and part of a broader victimisation campaign.
The Toshakhana-2 case revolves around a luxury Bulgari set reportedly received from the Saudi crown prince and valued at over Rs71 million, which the prosecution said was appraised at only Rs5.9 million by a private firm. According to authorities, the gift, including a necklace, bracelet, ring, and earrings, was neither deposited in the Toshakhana nor correctly valued, allegedly under influence from the former principal secretary, Inam Shah, to undervalue it.
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In their appeals, Imran and Bushra argued that the prosecution failed to establish its case and that the trial court wrongly relied on the testimony of an approver, Sohaib Abbasi, whose appointment they claim was unlawful. They further contended that multiple punishments cannot be awarded for the same offence and that the special central court lacked proper jurisdiction to hear the case, asserting that the Bulgari set was retained according to Toshakhana rules for former rulers.
The trial began on September 16, 2024, with Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand presiding at Adiala Jail, and continued for nearly a year with over 80 hearings. The prosecution recorded statements of 24 witnesses, including former military secretary Brigadier (retd) Muhammad Ahmad, private appraiser Sohaib Abbasi, and Imran’s former principal secretary Inamullah, while the defence was represented by prominent lawyers Arshad Tabrez, Qausain Faisal Mufti, and Salman Safdar.
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Imran Khan has been in jail since August 2023, serving a separate 14-year sentence in a land corruption case, and faces dozens of other cases ranging from corruption to terrorism-related charges. With the latest Toshakhana-2 conviction adding to his legal challenges, the appeals now await review by the Islamabad High Court, which will determine whether the special court’s verdict will stand or be set aside.