Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Face New Sentences in Gift Fraud Case

Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have received additional jail sentences linked to a fraud case involving state gifts. This latest development underscores the ongoing legal challenges facing the couple following their previous convictions.

The Conviction Details

Khan and Bibi were found guilty of violating Pakistan’s laws on gifts, particularly regarding a luxury jewelry set gifted by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a state visit in 2021. The new penalties consist of ten years for criminal breach of trust and seven years for criminal misconduct, alongside a significant financial penalty.

These sentences are expected to run concurrently with the prison time they are already serving due to earlier convictions. Khan has consistently claimed that the charges against him are politically motivated, and his legal team has indicated plans to contest the verdict in a higher court.

Legal Proceedings and Allegations

Salman Safdar, Khan’s lawyer, revealed that their team received notice of the sentencing late Friday night, after regular court hours. He affirmed their intent to appeal the decision in the high court. This case adds to a mounting list of over 100 charges against the former cricket star, encompassing offenses from leaking state secrets to illicitly selling state gifts.

The jewelry case, referred to as Toshakhana 2 in local media, revolves around a Bulgari set given to Bibi during the 2021 visit. According to Pakistani regulations, such state gifts are transferred to the Toshakhana department, which manages government assets. Politicians can purchase these items, but allegations suggest that Khan may have instructed a private entity to undervalue the jewelry before buying it back at a significantly reduced price.

Consequences and Other Legal Battles

In addition to the new prison terms, the couple has been fined over 16 million Pakistani rupees (approximately £42,600). Khan is also embroiled in other legal issues, including a previous Toshakhana case, for which he is appealing an earlier conviction that has resulted in a suspended sentence.

Others legal matters include accusations linked to terrorism arising from violent protests that occurred on May 9, 2023, when Khan was arrested. His last tenure as Pakistan’s prime minister ended in April 2022, following a vote of no confidence. Currently, he has not made public appearances, but his social media accounts remain active, posting messages that criticize the current government and military leadership.

Recent Developments in Detention

Khan was subject to restrictions on visitors for nearly a month in November. Following advocacy from his family and political party, he was eventually allowed a visit from his sister in December. Shortly after, his account posted a statement referring to Field Marshall Asim Munir as “mentally unstable.” Since then, he has not been permitted any family visits.

The judge, in delivering the verdict, mentioned that Khan was given a lenient sentence due to what was described as his “old age.” This indicates a potential consideration for the former prime minister’s health and circumstances, despite the seriousness of the charges.