Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were handed down a 14-year prison sentence each by the accountability court on Wednesday. The verdict comes in the context of the Toshakhana case, marking a consequential moment for the prominent political figure and his spouse.
The court has also disqualified the former prime minister and his wife for 10 years while handing over a fine of Rs1.573 billion to the couple.
Judge Muhammad Bashir announced the verdict in Adiala Jail. Khan was presented in the court, however, Bushra Begum did not attend the proceedings. She is likely to be arrested after Wednesday’s verdict.
The Toshakhana case accuses Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Begum of misappropriating gifts from the state’s Toshakhana, allegedly involving millions of rupees.
It is also the case that led to Khan’s arrest on August 5 last year. He has been in jail ever since and has not even been brought out for court hearings. All hearings in the Toshakhana case have since been held in jail.
During today’s hearing, Judge Muhammad Bashir traveled to Adiala Jail early in the day for the proceedings, with Imran Khan subsequently brought to the courtroom. However, when the judge inquired if Khan was prepared to present his statement under section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CCP), the former prime minister responded that he had only come to court to mark his attendance.
Despite Khan mentioning that his statement was in his room, the judge instructed him to swiftly retrieve it, emphasizing the importance of not wasting the court’s time.
Reportedly, Khan expressed his intention to consult with his lawyers before submitting the statement. He also remarked that the judge appeared to be in a hurry, noting that a similar swift announcement had occurred the previous day.
The judge suggested that Khan could bring his statement to the court and make changes on the computer if needed. However, Khan departed for his cell, accompanied by the deputy jail superintendent as per the judge’s orders.
Khan did not return to the courtroom, and the sentence was subsequently announced in his absence.
It is pertinent to mention here that, in less than 24 hours, Khan got a second sentence from the courts. On Tuesday, Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have each been sentenced to 10 years in prison in the cipher case.
The verdict was pronounced by Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqernain of the Official Secrets Act special court after conducting proceedings in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
The judge said the prosecution had enough solid evidence to prove the crime.
Both the accused were present in the courtroom at the time of sentencing, and they refused to sign the statement questionnaire under Section 342 of CrPC. They said they would not sign the questionnaire in the absence of their lawyers.
