ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Thursday cleared procedural hurdles in the Toshakhana-II case, removing objections raised by the Registrar’s Office on the criminal appeals filed by former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi.
A two-member bench headed by Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro directed that the appeals be formally numbered and fixed for hearing.
During the proceedings, a brief exchange near the rostrum drew attention when Aleema Khan, sister of Imran Khan, inquired from defence counsel Salman Safdar about the appeal’s numbering. Justice Soomro, smiling, reassured her: *“You will get the number, I have ordered it. Your lawyer is very strong.”Safdar responded lightly, “I will tell her.”
Background of the Case
Pakistan’s Toshakhana serves as the official repository for gifts received by public officials, which may later be purchased back at a declared value. This Toshakhana-II case is distinct from the earlier 2023 reference as it centres on a luxury Bulgari jewellery set — diamond and gold pieces gifted to Imran Khan by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an official visit in May 2021.
NAB alleged that Khan and Bushra Bibi acquired the set at a throwaway price, constituting criminal breach of trust and corruption under Section 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act. A Graff watch was also scrutinized in related filings.
Both were declared arrested in July 2024, and on December 20, 2025, a special court convicted them, sentencing each to 17 years imprisonment (10 years under PPC and 7 years under corruption law) along with a joint fine of Rs.16.4 million.
Following the conviction, the couple filed appeals in the IHC, challenging the verdict on grounds of insufficient evidence, procedural flaws, and health concerns. They also sought suspension of sentence under Section 426 of the CrPC.
The Registrar’s Office had initially raised routine objections — including late filing, condonation of delay, and formatting issues — which prevented the appeals from being formally listed. With Thursday’s order, those objections stand removed, paving the way for substantive hearings on the merits of the case
