Imran Khan & Bushra Bibi Sentenced 14 Years Jail

On Wednesday, a Pakistani anti-corruption court sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 14 years in prison after being found guilty of illegally receiving expensive presents from the state treasury (Toshakhana) while in power. The pair have also been forbidden from holding public office for ten years and fined PKR 787 million, according to the Pakistani news site Dawn.

A new conviction comes a day after 10 years of imprisonment

The conviction and punishment occurred a day after Imran was sentenced to ten years in prison for a separate crime; he had already been serving a three-year sentence since August 2023. While Imran's sentence, which included selling state gifts in what the court deemed corrupt practices, was later suspended, he was not released from prison. His current 14-year sentence will run concurrently with his 10-year term, as is customary in Pakistan. Throwing further blow to his political prospects for the forthcoming February 8 parliamentary elections.

NAB filed a case against Imran Khan

Pakistan's anti-corruption court charged the incarcerated former Prime Minister and his wife in the Toshakhana case. The case was heard in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, where Khan is currently incarcerated. The complaint against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi was brought by Pakistan's anti-corruption authority, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

What is Toshakhana case:

The charges in the Toshakhana case concern Imran Khan's alleged failure to deposit 19 million pounds ($24 Million), which was provided by the British government. The accusations stemmed from their mishandling of the government treasure house, Toshakhana, whereby they purchased gifts given to them during their term at a discounted price and subsequently sold them for a greater price.

• During his time as prime minister, Imran Khan was accused of "deliberately hiding details about gifts" that he got from the Toshakhana, a storehouse for gifts that foreign visitors gave to government officials. This covers the earnings from the presents' sales as well as the gifts themselves.
• The NAB conducted an investigation and found that the 71-year-old former prime minister and his spouse bought gifts from the public treasury that were given by international dignitaries for far less than the stated amounts.
• Of the seven watches that are reportedly being given, six are Rolex watches. The most expensive of them, a "Master Graff limited edition," is thought to be worth $300,000.
• Under the Cabinet Division, the Toshakhana keeps gifts that foreign leaders give to monarchs and government officials. Such gifts and items must be reported to the Cabinet Division by regulations.
• This is Imran Khan's second conviction in the corruption case; the first came from a special court last year when they sentenced him to three years in prison. The former cricket star was barred from holding any public office for five years as a result of the earlier case.