Islamabad: Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, along with his wife Bushra Bibi, have formally filed separate appeals with the Islamabad High Court (IHC) challenging their conviction in the Toshakhana 2 case.
The special court had on December 20 sentenced the couple to 17 years in prison over allegations related to the purchase of a Bulgari jewelry set, gifted to Imran Khan by the Saudi Crown Prince during an official visit in May 2021, at a significantly reduced price. The prosecution claimed that the jewelry, valued at approximately Rs80 million, was acquired for only Rs2.9 million.
The appeals submitted to the IHC argue that the trial was politically driven, asserting that the overarching objective of the prosecution appears to be the continued incarceration of the appellant, thereby preventing his participation in national politics and curtailing his political role and influence.
Lawyers representing the couple further argued that the case was mishandled, noting procedural lapses by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), including the absence of an FIR and a rushed submission of the challan just two days after the investigation began, leaving no room for a fair probe.
The appeals also highlight that the Toshakhana 2 conviction represents the fourth prosecution in the series of Toshakhana cases and amounts to double jeopardy. The lawyers contended that the bifurcation of the case focusing on one set of gifts while ignoring others—was “impermissible in law” and intended to ensure continued imprisonment.
The defense emphasized that Toshakhana 1 and 2 involved different gifts, and that separating the trials had “an ulterior motive of ensuring the continued incarceration of the present appellant.”
Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 and is currently serving a 14-year sentence at Adiala Jail in the £190 million corruption case. He also faces ongoing trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to the May 9, 2023, protests.
Bushra Bibi, meanwhile, is serving a seven-year sentence in the same corruption case. Both had denied all allegations earlier this year, describing the Toshakhana cases as fabricated attempts to politically sideline Imran Khan.
Through their appeals, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi have requested the Islamabad High Court to overturn the December 20 verdict and grant them acquittal in the Toshakhana 2 case. The submissions argue for a fair and comprehensive legal review, citing procedural errors, lack of established precedent, and perceived political interference in the original trial.