Toshakhana 2.0 Case
The Islamabad District and Sessions Court has extended the interim bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Toshakhana 2.0 case until January 7, 2024. The decision was made during a hearing conducted by Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Mujoka.
During the proceedings, junior lawyers appeared on behalf of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. They informed the court that the senior counsel could not attend the hearing as he was occupied with another case at Central Jail Adiala.
Taking note of this, Judge Mujoka extended the interim bails of the accused until January 7 and adjourned the hearing.
This extension comes shortly after a trial court indicted both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana 2.0 case. Last week, Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand presided over the indictment hearing at a special courtroom inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan has been detained for over a year.
The charge sheet was formally read out to the PTI founder and his spouse, both of whom were present in court. They denied all allegations leveled against them.
Following the indictment, the court scheduled the next hearing for December 18, during which the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is expected to present the first four of its 28 witnesses.
The Toshakhana 2.0 case revolves around allegations that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi illegally retained a valuable Bulgari jewelry set that was gifted to them during a state visit to Saudi Arabia in May 2021.
The jewelry set, consisting of a ring, bracelet, necklace, and earrings, was reportedly valued at approximately Rs75.7 million. However, the couple allegedly undervalued the items, declaring a lower price and causing a loss of Rs32.9 million to the national treasury.
Investigations into the case have revealed violations of Section 9 and Subsections 3, 4, 6, and 12 of the NAB Ordinance 1999. These provisions mandate that any gift received by public officials be deposited into the state gift repository, known as Toshakhana.
It is alleged that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi failed to fulfill this legal obligation, instead retaining the valuable jewelry set without following the prescribed rules.
The case has garnered significant media and public attention, given the involvement of high-profile figures and the substantial value of the alleged undeclared assets.
The prosecution, led by the FIA, is preparing to present evidence and witnesses to substantiate their claims against the accused. Meanwhile, legal representatives for Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are expected to mount a robust defense in the upcoming hearings.
As the matter continues, it remains a focal point in Pakistan’s political and legal landscape, highlighting issues of accountability and the misuse of state resources.
The extended bail offers temporary relief to Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, but the proceedings in January will be critical in determining the case’s direction.
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