ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, are set to be formally indicted in a new Toshakhana case on November 18.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)’s special court announced the indictment date while rejecting the acquittal pleas filed by the former prime minister and his wife. The court had reserved its decision on these pleas on November 8.
This case involves allegations that a jewelry set, gifted to Bushra Bibi by the Saudi crown prince during Imran Khan’s tenure as prime minister (2018-2022), was illegally sold.
It is separate from the earlier Toshakhana case in which the couple was sentenced to 14 years in prison and fined Rs1.57 billion (Rs787 million each) in January. However, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) suspended the sentence in that earlier case in April.
PTI’s Islamabad March on 24th of November
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub Khan, has called for the restoration of the rule of law in Pakistan.
In a recent interview, Ayub emphasized the need for the immediate release of all imprisoned PTI members, including party chairman and former Prime Minister, Imran Khan. Ayub asserted that these detentions are unjust, labeling the cases against PTI leaders as politically motivated.
He reiterated that PTI’s primary demand is for fresh elections in the country to restore political stability and ensure a democratic process. Omar Ayub expressed these views after PTI founder Imran Khan announced Islamabad march on 24th of November.
Ayub made it clear that PTI is not seeking concessions or relief. He stated that once the conditions for fairness are met, any relief will naturally follow.
He expressed concern over the fabricated charges against Imran Khan, particularly noting that he has not had access to the former Prime Minister for two months.
According to Ayub, the only information about Imran Khan’s situation comes from media reports. He also referenced a “final call” made by Imran Khan, which the party learned about through the media, and stated that PTI would consult internally on how to proceed based on that information.
Ayub also revealed the personal strain he is facing due to the legal pressures on PTI members. He spends 95% of his time in court hearings, as he is facing more than 100 legal cases.
He added that if he fails to attend these hearings, he risks arrest due to pending warrants. Additionally, Ayub accused intelligence agencies of attempting to fracture PTI by coercing its members, claiming that these agencies are putting pressure on individuals to create a splinter faction within the party.
