Former Prime Minister of Pakistan and PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been sentenced to heavy punishment in the Toshakhana-2 case. The special court of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Saturday sentenced both of them to 17 years in jail. This case pertains to the purchase of an expensive Bulgari jewelery set at a very low price.
Rawalpindi court gave its verdict
This decision was given by Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand during the hearing held in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. Imran Khan is currently lodged in this jail, where the court proceedings took place. The court sentenced Imran Khan to a total of 17 years of imprisonment. This includes 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment under Section 409 (criminal breach of trust) of the Pakistan Penal Code and 7 years’ imprisonment under Section 5(2)47 (criminal misconduct by public servants) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Bushra Bibi was also sentenced to 17 years in jail and fined.
Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi has also been sentenced to a total of 17 years under the same sections. The court acknowledged that the role of both in this case is equally serious. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 1.64 crore (16.4 million Pakistani rupees) on both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. According to law, if the fine amount is not deposited then they will have to face additional jail sentence.
The court gave the reason for leniency in punishment
It was said in the court order that while deciding the punishment, Imran Khan’s age and Bushra Bibi being a woman were taken into consideration. The order said, ‘In view of these facts, the court has adopted a lenient stance of giving relatively less punishment.’
What is Toshakhana-2 case?
Toshakhana-2 case is related to government gifts. It is alleged that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi bought an expensive Bulgari jewelery set at a very low price contrary to the rules, causing loss to the government exchequer.
Legal team preparing to go to High Court
After the decision, the legal team of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi have indicated that they will challenge this decision in the High Court. His lawyers say that this decision is against the law and facts.
