Key Points:
- Special court sentences Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to 17 years each in Toshakhana-II case
- Case involves purchase of expensive Bulgari jewelry set at discounted price
- Sentence includes 10 years for criminal breach of trust, 7 years under corruption act
- Both fined Rs 1.64 crore, face additional imprisonment if fines unpaid
- Legal team announces immediate challenge in High Court
A special court in Pakistan delivered a significant blow to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi on Saturday, sentencing both to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana-II case. The verdict was pronounced by Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand during a hearing held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where Khan remains incarcerated.
The Verdict and Charges
The court’s 17-year sentence comprises two distinct components, 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 409 (criminal breach of trust) and seven years under Section 5(2)47 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi received identical sentences under these provisions. Additionally, the court imposed hefty fines of Rs 1.64 crore on each of them, with legal provisions stipulating additional imprisonment if the fines remain unpaid.
The case centers on allegations that the couple purchased an expensive Bulgari jewelry set from the state treasury (Toshakhana) at a significantly discounted price, violating regulations governing gifts received by public officials. The couple was formally indicted in this case in December 2024, setting the stage for Saturday’s conviction.
Immediate Legal Response
Following the verdict, Imran Khan’s legal team swiftly announced their intention to challenge the decision in the High Court. This appeal strategy mirrors their approach in previous cases, including the Toshakhana-I case where the Islamabad High Court stayed the sentence in April 2024. The legal team expressed confidence in overturning what they termed a politically motivated conviction, though they acknowledged the challenges given Pakistan’s current judicial climate.
Imran Khan’s Incarceration Timeline
Imran Khan has remained in jail since August 2023, facing multiple legal challenges across various cases. Earlier in January 2025, he received a 14-year sentence while Bushra Bibi was sentenced to 7 years in the Al-Qadir Trust case, demonstrating the pattern of accumulating convictions against the former cricket star turned politician. The Toshakhana-II verdict adds another layer to his complex legal situation, potentially extending his time behind bars significantly.
Political and Public Reaction
The sentencing has drawn sharp reactions from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters who view the convictions as part of a systematic campaign to sideline their leader. International observers continue monitoring Pakistan’s political developments, particularly regarding the treatment of former leaders through judicial processes. The case raises ongoing questions about the intersection of law, politics, and governance in Pakistan’s evolving democratic landscape.
