Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi Challenge Toshakhana-II Verdict in IHC

ISLAMABAD — Former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have formally approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to challenge their December 20 convictions in the high-profile Toshakhana-II case, in which both were sentenced to 17 years in prison for allegedly misappropriating a valuable gift from the Saudi crown prince, according to Dawn.

The case centers on a Bulgari jewellery set, reportedly worth Rs80 million, which prosecutors allege was retained by the couple after being purchased at a discounted rate, in violation of Toshakhana regulations. In their petitions, the defense maintains that both Imran and Bushra fully complied with Toshakhana rules and paid all required fees for retaining the gift, insisting that the charges are legally unfounded.

Lawyers for the couple have described the special court’s verdict as politically motivated and rushed, arguing that procedural safeguards were ignored and that the court wrongly relied on the testimony of an approver. “The overarching objective appears to be keeping the former prime minister out of politics,” the appeal filings claim, highlighting what they call a broader attempt to sideline Imran Khan politically.

The appeals also question the legal interpretation of the Toshakhana policy, pointing out that gifts valued above Rs30,000 can be legally retained after payment of the prescribed amount. Furthermore, the defense stresses that neither Imran nor Bushra qualifies as a “public servant” under the Pakistan Penal Code, a critical element required for criminal breach of trust charges under Section 409.

The IHC has assigned diary numbers 24560 and 24561 for the appeals, which are expected to be heard in the coming weeks. The petitions seek not only suspension of the prison sentences but full acquittal, arguing that the convictions are unsupported by law and evidence.

This latest legal move adds another layer to Imran Khan’s already complex web of ongoing legal battles, which include multiple other corruption cases and convictions. Analysts say the appeals could have significant political implications, especially given Imran’s continued influence over PTI and his role in Pakistan’s opposition landscape.