Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan Challenges 17-Year Sentence in State Gift Corruption Case
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi are set to appeal their corruption convictions on Monday, challenging a 17-year prison sentence stemming from violations of state gift repository rules.
The Islamabad Special Judge Shahrukh Arjumand delivered the verdict on December 20, finding both defendants guilty in the Toshakhana-II case. The court imposed hefty fines of Rs16.5 million on each convicted person, with failure to pay resulting in an additional six months imprisonment.
Legal Challenge Strategy
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has decided to challenge the conviction in the Islamabad High Court. Barrister Salman Safdar has prepared separate appeals for both defendants, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove their case.
The defense maintains that the Bulgari jewelry set was retained in accordance with Toshakhana rules and challenges the court's jurisdiction. They argue that Sohail Abbas was illegally made an approver and that the trial court wrongly relied on testimony from a pardoned witness.
The Bulgari Jewelry Controversy
The Federal Investigation Agency accused Khan of misusing his prime ministerial position to acquire a Bulgari jewelry set gifted by the Saudi crown prince during a May 2021 state visit. The set included a ring, bracelet, necklace, and earrings.
According to the prosecution, the jewelry was significantly undervalued, causing a loss of Rs32,851,300 to the national treasury. The total estimated value reached approximately Rs75.6 million, with the necklace alone valued at Rs56.5 million.
Pattern of Gift Retention
The FIA claimed Khan retained 58 out of 108 gifts during his tenure as prime minister, demonstrating a pattern of abuse of authority. Under Toshakhana rules, officials must pay 50% of a gift's assessed value to retain it personally.
The trial court concluded it was "established beyond doubt" that the accused violated the Procedure for the Acceptance and Disposal of Gifts, 2018, by failing to deposit the jewelry set in the state repository.
The appeals argue that the case represents political victimization and was registered without proper investigation. Khan's legal team seeks to have the Toshakhana-II verdict declared null and void.