Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi challenge Toshakhana-II conviction in IHC

Former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have filed appeals in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) challenging their convictions in the Toshakhana-II case.

Both filed separate appeals through their lawyers against the verdict announced on December 20 by a special court, which handed them 17-year prison terms each. The court had also imposed a combined fine of Rs16.4 million on the couple.

The case pertains to the alleged purchase of luxury state gifts at undervalued prices from the Toshakhana, which stores gifts received by public office holders. Among the items mentioned in the reference was a high-end Bulgari jewellery set.

The verdict was issued by Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand after nearly 80 hearings held inside Adiala Jail. Under the ruling, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 10 years each under sections 34 and 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code, along with an additional seven years each under section 5 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.

In their appeals, they requested the high court to set aside the judgment, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations. They have also questioned the reliance on an approver’s testimony and claimed that the approver was unlawfully appointed.

The appeals further state that multiple sentences cannot be imposed for a single offence and challenge the trial court’s jurisdiction. The appeals also argue that the jewellery was retained under existing Toshakhana rules and that the case was filed without a proper investigation.