NAB prosecutor Amjad Pervez voiced objections to the trial and sentencing processes, stating they were improperly conducted. He revealed that he had previously sought suspension of the sentences.
On Thursday, Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb presided over the Islamabad High Court (IHC) hearing to review appeals against the convictions.
During the session, Barrister Ali Zafar requested that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi be exempted from appearing in person. Justice Farooq assured him, saying, “Don’t worry, we’ll order it,” with no objection from the prosecutor.
Zafar argued that the trial was rushed and unfair, labeling it a “jail trial” that infringed on his clients’ rights. He highlighted irregularities, such as limiting the cross-examination on January 29, recording Bushra Bibi’s statement late at night, and delaying Imran Khan’s statement until January 31. These factors, Zafar asserted, undermined the defense.
Justice Farooq instructed Zafar to consult Imran Khan regarding the prosecutor’s remand request, cautioning that if he opposed NAB’s proposal, the court would rule on merit. Justice Aurangzeb noted the court might either order a retrial or address the case’s merits directly, ignoring technical errors.
Zafar insisted the sentencing decision was untenable, prompting the court to adjourn until November 21. The bench directed Zafar to provide a clear stance on NAB’s proposal before the next hearing.
Acquittal Pleas Rejected in Toshakhana 2.0 Case
A special court in Islamabad dismissed the acquittal pleas of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana 2.0 case on Thursday. Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand issued the decision, with formal charges set to be framed on November 18.
While Imran Khan attended the proceedings, Bushra Bibi was absent. The hearing had been rescheduled from November 12 to November 14 due to the judge’s unavailability.
The Toshakhana 2.0 case involves allegations that Khan, as PTI founder, and Bushra Bibi retained state gifts without meeting legal requirements. The court deferred the indictment to next week, anticipating a final decision on charges.
Toshakhana 2.0 Case Details
The case focuses on a Bulgari jewelry set received by Bushra Bibi during a visit to Saudi Arabia from May 7 to 10, 2021. The set included a necklace, bracelet, ring, and earrings.
Investigations revealed that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi unlawfully retained the jewelry without depositing it as required. On May 18, 2021, the Deputy Military Secretary asked the Toshakhana Section Officer to assess and declare its value, but the set was not submitted.
The reference stated that Bulgari sold the necklace to Saudi franchise Solugent Trading in May 2018 for 300,000 euros, while the earrings were priced at 80,000 euros. However, the prices for the bracelet and ring were unavailable.
By May 28, 2021, the jewelry set’s total value was estimated at Rs75,661,600, including Rs56,496,000 for the necklace and Rs15,065,600 for the earrings. Under Toshakhana rules, paying 50% of the value would set the price at Rs35,765,800. However, undervaluing the set caused a Rs32,851,300 loss to the national treasury.
The NAB reference accused Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi of violating Section 9 and Subsections 3, 4, 6, and 12 of the NAB Ordinance 1999.
