Former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have prepared appeals to challenge their convictions in the Toshakhana-II case, set to be filed in the Islamabad High Court on Monday through Barrister Salman Safdar. The PTI had previously announced its intent to contest the verdict.
On December 20, an Islamabad court sentenced Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to a total of 17 years in prison each under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code in the Toshakhana-II case. The court also imposed fines exceeding Rs16 million on the couple.
The appeals argue that the trial court relied on statements from a dismissed witness, Inamullah Shah, and an approver, which they claim was legally impermissible.
The petitions assert that the prosecution failed to substantiate allegations against the former ruling couple, and that multiple sentences were wrongly awarded for the same offence.
The legal filings also contend that the court lacked jurisdiction over the case and that Sohail Abbasi was illegally designated as a key witness. The couple maintains that the Bulgari jewellery set in question was legally possessed in accordance with Toshakhana rules, and that the case was filed without proper investigation.
Furthermore, the appeals claim that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi do not qualify as public servants, rendering the proceedings against them contrary to law.
The Toshakhana-II verdict had sentenced the couple to 10 years under one section and an additional seven years each under Section 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Through these appeals, the couple seeks to overturn the convictions, contest the fines, and highlight alleged procedural and legal flaws in the trial. The outcome of the Islamabad High Court proceedings will determine whether the sentences are upheld, reduced, or overturned, continuing the high-profile legal battle surrounding the Toshakhana-II case.
