Toshakhana Case
On Wednesday, former Prime Minister Imran Khan faced arrest by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the Toshakhana case after an accountability court declined to renew his bail. The case’s hearing, presided over by Judge Muhammad Bashir at Adiala Jail on Monday, concluded with the announcement of the decision around 8 pm.
Judge Bashir stated that prima facie, there were indications of illegal practices in the acceptance of Toshakhana gifts. The court’s order outlined that NAB would seek Khan’s remand, but he would not be handed over to the Bureau’s custody; instead, he would remain in jail, where all further investigations would take place.
NAB’s Deputy Prosecutor General, Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi, confirmed the intention to request physical remand for Khan. Meanwhile, in the same case, Bushra Begum, Imran Khan’s wife, had her bail extended until December 20. Naeem Haider Panjutha, Khan’s lawyer, criticized the timing of the decision, deeming it a mockery that the announcement occurred at 8 in the evening.
The proceedings in the £190 million Toshakhana case were adjourned until December 20, aligning with the extension of Bushra Begum’s bail. The case revolves around alleged irregularities in the acceptance of gifts and presents given to public officials, with Khan and his wife facing scrutiny in connection to these accusations.
Imran Khan’s arrest marks a significant development in the legal proceedings, with the court’s determination of illegal practices in the Toshakhana case prompting further inquiries to be conducted within the confines of the jail. The extension of Bushra Begum’s bail adds another layer to the ongoing legal saga, setting the stage for continued legal scrutiny and proceedings in the coming weeks.
