A special court has sentenced former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison each in the Toshakhana-2 corruption case, marking a major development in Pakistan’s ongoing political and legal landscape.
According to the verdict, both were found guilty of criminal breach of trust and corruption related to the illegal retention and misuse of state gifts. The court awarded 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment for breach of trust and an additional 7 years under anti-corruption laws.
The court also imposed a multi-million-rupee fine on each of the convicts. Failure to pay the fine would result in further imprisonment. The time already spent in custody will be adjusted against their sentences.
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The case revolves around allegations that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi unlawfully kept valuable gifts, including luxury items received during an official foreign visit, instead of depositing them in the Toshakhana, the government’s official gift repository. Investigators claimed the gifts were undervalued through a private assessment, causing financial loss to the state.
While announcing the sentence, the court noted Imran Khan’s age and Bushra Bibi’s status while determining punishment. Legal teams for both have indicated plans to challenge the verdict in higher courts.
The ruling adds to Imran Khan’s growing list of legal challenges and is expected to further intensify political tensions across the country.
