Islamabad, Dec 20: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were on Saturday sentenced to 17 years in prison by a special Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) court in the high-profile Toshakhana-2 corruption case. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 16.4 million on the couple.
The case revolves around allegations that Khan and Bibi purchased an expensive Bulgari jewellery set at a throwaway price, a gift reportedly given to the former PM by the Saudi crown prince during an official visit in May 2021. Both have consistently denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated and fabricated, and claimed they had fully complied with the Toshakhana Policy 2018.
Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand delivered the sentence at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where Khan is currently incarcerated. The 17-year term comprises 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under Sections 34 (common intention) and 409 (criminal breach of trust) of the Pakistan Penal Code, and seven years under Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The sentence for Bushra Bibi mirrors that of Khan.
The court noted Khan’s age and Bibi’s gender while determining the punishment. In case of failure to pay the fine, the duo faces an additional prison term. Both Khan and Bibi have indicated that they intend to appeal the verdict in the Pakistan High Court.
The Toshakhana-2 case has been one of several legal challenges confronting Khan since his ouster from office, with the former PM repeatedly asserting that the proceedings were designed to disqualify him from politics.