The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday slammed the Toshakhana 2 case verdict against former prime minister Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi, saying that the decision was announced in the absence of the accused and lawyers.
A special court on Saturday sentenced former PM Imran and his wife to 17 years’ imprisonment each in the Toshakhana 2 case involving the under-priced purchase of luxury state gifts.
Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand pronounced the verdict after conducting 80 hearings at Adiala jail. The case involves the acquisition of an expensive Bulgari jewellery at a nominal price.
According to the judgment, Imran and Bushra were jailed for 10 years each under sections 34, 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code and an additional seven years’ imprisonment each under section 5 of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) 1947.
“Imran’s family was not allowed inside the jail, where a ‘kangaroo’ court announced the verdict of the Toshakhana 2 case,” PTI said in a statement on X while reacting to the verdict.
The party also shared a video showing Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, inside a car, questioning why she is being prevented from moving forward.
“They can’t stop us. The jail trial is today,” Imran’s sister Aleema Khan said in a video shared by PTI X account.
Talking to the media today, PTI leader Salman Akram Raja strongly criticised the ruling, calling it unjust and a violation of the fundamental rights of PTI founding chairman Imran, his spouse, and their legal team.
Raja said that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) mandates the presence of the accused and their family members during court proceedings. “Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s family, and lawyers must attend hearings,” he added.
PTI’s secretary general also criticised the foundation of the case, saying it is weak and relies on compromised witnesses. “This case has no substance; it relies on a person claiming pressure,” he said.
Imran Khan’s lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, while talking to the media outside Adiala jail, said: “We received a sudden notice of the Toshakhana 2 case at 8pm last night,” he said.
Safdar said that the case was adjourned on October 16 and verdict was not scheduled for today. “[The] decision was announced in the absence of the accused and lawyers.”
The latest conviction adds to a series of legal troubles for Imran, who has been behind bars since August 2023 and faces dozens of cases filed since he was ousted from office in 2022, ranging from graft to anti-terrorism and state secrets charges.
The jailed ousted PM has denied wrongdoing in all the cases, which his party says are politically motivated.
The case relates to luxury watches gifted to Khan by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during official visits, which prosecutors said Imran and his wife then purchased from the state at a heavily discounted price in violation of gift rules.
