Imran Khan, Wife Bushra Bibi Slapped with 17-Year Prison Term in Toshakhana Scandal

A Pakistani court has sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison each in the Toshakhana 2 corruption case. The case revolves around alleged fraud in state gifts they received from the Saudi government in 2021. According to reports, the former first couple purchased an expensive Bulgari jewelry set valued at approximately ₹80 million (PKR) at a throwaway price of Rs2.9m. The prosecution claimed that Khan and his wife retained the jewelry, which was gifted by the Saudi crown prince during an official visit in May 2021. The court handed down a 10-year rigorous imprisonment under Section 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code and seven years under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Both Imran and Bushra were also fined ₹10 million each. In a statement, Khan's party, Tehreek-e-Insaaf Pakistan (PTI), alleged that the family was not allowed inside the jail, calling the trial a "kangaroo court" and "military trial." Information Minister Attaullah Tarar welcomed the judgment, accusing Khan and his wife of committing a "fraud" and breaching public trust. The sentence is expected to run consecutively with a previously imposed sentence in a £190 million corruption case. Khan's sister Aleema Khan was seen on video outside the jail, expressing her frustration at not being allowed to enter.