RAWALPINDI: In a major development ahead of the November 24 protest by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday approved the bail plea of party founder Imran Khan in the new Toshakhana case.
IHC approved PTI founder’s bail plea against surety bonds worth Rs1 million. The court ordered the jail authorities to release PTI founder Imran Khan.
Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb accepted Khan’s bail plea against two surety bonds worth Rs1 million each, which must be submitted by separate guarantors.
PTI founder is no longer wanted in any other case within Islamabad’s jurisdiction following the latest development.
During the hearing, the FIA prosecutor raised concerns over misleading media reports, suggesting that the bail had already been granted.
Justice Aurangzeb advised the prosecutor to ignore media narratives, emphasizing that the court’s decisions are independent of such speculation. He also commented on the unreliability of certain media claims and sought clarification regarding the valuation of a jewellery set central to the case.
Key Discussions in Court
- Valuation Inquiry: Justice Aurangzeb questioned how the value of the jewellery set was determined.
- Defence’s Position: Barrister Salman Safdar, representing the PTI founder, stated that it was the prosecution’s responsibility to clarify this point. He also pointed out discrepancies in the case, highlighting that the receipts for the jewellery were issued in Bushra Bibi’s name, not the PTI founder’s.
- Witness Testimonies: The defence argued that the case relied heavily on testimonies from key witnesses, including Sohaib Abbasi, who had been declared an approver. Safdar noted that Abbasi alleged threats from the PTI founder but admitted to having no direct interaction with him or his wife.
- Customs Officials: Justice Aurangzeb inquired whether customs officers involved in the valuation had claimed intimidation. The defence confirmed that no such allegations were made.
Prosecutor’s Argument
The FIA prosecutor asserted that the Bulgari jewellery set was not deposited in the Toshakhana and alleged that its undervaluation had caused financial harm to the state.
When asked how the PTI founder personally benefited, the prosecutor argued that his wife’s gain inherently benefited him.
Judge’s Response
Justice Aurangzeb dismissed the argument, stating, “My wife’s things are not mine. I don’t know what era we are living in.”
