.jfif)
Islamabad High Court (IHC) has granted relief to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi by suspending their sentences in the Toshakhana case. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq stated that their appeal would be heard after Eid holidays.
In January, Accountability Court's Judge Muhammad Bashir issued an indefinite sentence with rigorous punishment against Khan and Bushra in the Toshakhana case. Additionally, Judge Bashir disqualified the former prime minister for 10 years as well as a fine of Rs1.57 billion on each person sentenced - totaling a total fine of Rs1.87 billion totaling Rs787 million each for both couples.
At the hearing, Khan asserted that his wife was innocent and unfairly implicated. Chief Justice Farooq noted that the current cipher case would likely come to an end shortly while Toshakhana could not be heard due to arguments by FIA (Federal Investigation Agency).
Toshakhana case centers around allegations that Khan and Bushra unlawfully retained a Graff Jewelry set given to them by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia during their visit to Riyadh, but failed to deposit it with Toshakhana for transparent assessment as required. The reference filed alleges Bushra as conspiring with Khan by keeping the gift in their possession without depositing it with Toshakhana as required - violating Toshakhana procedures by keeping the gift instead.
Khan and Bushra allegedly exerted their influence to undervalue the assessment of a jewelry set and retain it with minimal payment for a nominal sum. The court concluded that this subpar assessment resulted in the illegal retention of this gift.
Khan has been involved in several legal disputes, resulting in seven-year prison terms for himself and Bushra for their illegal marriage, while PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Khan each were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment over their involvement in a cipher case.
These verdicts were handed down only days before the February 8 general elections, raising questions over their timing and potential political ramifications.
After their sentences in the Toshakhana case were suspended, Khan and Bushra are waiting for further proceedings after Eid to continue the legal saga surrounding them.