The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday granted bail to former Prime Minister Imran Khan in the latest Toshakhana case, subject to furnishing two surety bonds worth Rs1 million each. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb presided over the proceedings and directed Khan to appear before the trial court post-bail. The judge warned that failure to cooperate during the trial could result in the revocation of bail.
Imran Khan, leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was arrested on July 13 alongside his wife, Bushra Bibi, in connection with the case, on the same day they were acquitted in the Iddat case. Bushra Bibi was granted bail last month and released from Adiala Jail on October 24. However, Khan remained incarcerated due to his arrest in a separate Toshakhana case in August 2023.
Allegations Against the Couple
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has accused Khan and Bushra Bibi of illegally retaining a luxurious Bulgari jewelry set gifted by a foreign leader, causing significant financial losses to the exchequer. The set reportedly included a necklace, earrings, bracelets, and rings, which were undervalued during their purchase.
The case is part of broader allegations that during his tenure as Prime Minister, Khan and his wife received 108 gifts from foreign dignitaries, retaining 58 of them at a combined undervalued price of over Rs142 million.
Court Proceedings and Case Status
In September, Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand had scheduled the couple’s indictment for October 2, later deferring it to October 5 at the defense counsel’s request. On October 4, their post-arrest bail applications were rejected.
Following amendments to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) laws upheld by the Supreme Court, the case was shifted from an accountability court to an FIA special court. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) claims the couple’s actions were unlawful and led to losses for the national treasury.
With bail now granted, Khan’s legal team will focus on contesting the charges in the trial court. Bushra Bibi’s release and the IHC’s latest ruling mark significant developments in this high-profile case, which has captivated national attention.
