The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) concerning acquittal pleas filed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Toshakhana case, reads a DAWN report.
The couple stands accused of retaining a Bulgari jewellery set gifted by a foreign dignitary, including a necklace, earrings, bracelets, and rings, allegedly purchased at an undervalued price, causing significant financial losses to the national exchequer.
The hearing, presided over by Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas, marks a significant development in the controversial case. Imran’s legal counsel, Barrister Salman Safdar, requested a stay order on the trial proceedings, but the judge emphasized that no legal precedent exists for such an order at this stage. Justice Minhas assured that all respondents would be heard before making any decision.
Justice Minhas clarified that the trial court had already indicted both suspects and was recording witness statements. However, he assured the petitioners’ counsel that the case would not face prolonged delays. The court has adjourned proceedings until January 28, pending a response from the FIA.
The FIA accuses the couple of failing to deposit the jewellery set, gifted by the Saudi royal family during a 2021 visit, in the state treasury. The prosecution alleges that the couple retained 58 out of 108 gifts from foreign dignitaries, paying an undervalued sum of over Rs142 million under the Toshakhana policy of 2018.
Bushra Bibi was granted bail in the case in October 2024 after nearly nine months in detention but was re-incarcerated last week following convictions in the Al-Qadir Trust case. Imran Khan, while granted bail in November 2024, has remained imprisoned since August 2023, attributing the legal cases against him to political motives.
Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, in a recent judgment, ruled that Toshakhana rules only require submission of receipts for retained gifts and not the items themselves. Imran’s legal team has cited this ruling as a basis for seeking acquittal, arguing that payments were made according to appraisals.
Imran’s counsel also requested that the case be heard by Justice Aurangzeb, citing familiarity with related matters. Justice Minhas declined, stating that the previous cases were bail applications and this was a distinct matter.
The Toshakhana case, initially handled by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), was transferred to the FIA following amendments to NAB laws upheld by the Supreme Court in September. NAB alleges that the couple retained the jewellery set and other gifts without proper valuation, claiming undervalued payments caused financial losses to the state.
To date, seven witness statements have been recorded in the trial, with cross-examinations of four witnesses completed. The case continues to attract significant public and political attention as it unfolds.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
