Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi Handed 17-Year Jail Term In Toshakhana‑2 Saudi Gifts Case

A special court operating inside **Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail** has convicted Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi of **criminal breach of trust and corruption** in the handling of an expensive state gift, sentencing both to 17 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposing a fine of **PKR 16.4 million** each. The verdict in the **Toshakhana‑2 case** relates to a **Bulgari jewellery set** presented by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an official visit in 2021, which prosecutors say was retained at a fraction of its true value through falsified valuations.

What Is The Toshakhana‑2 Case?

Pakistan’s **Toshakhana** is a state depository that stores gifts given to top officials by foreign dignitaries; rules allow office‑bearers to buy back items by paying a fixed percentage of their assessed value.[web:980][web:987] In this case, prosecutors alleged that the Bulgari set – including a necklace, bracelet, earrings and ring – was worth around **PKR 75–80 million**, but was deliberately undervalued at roughly **PKR 5.9 million** so that Imran and Bushra could purchase it for only about **PKR 2.9 million** and keep it privately.

Investigators from the **Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)** and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) told the court that a private appraiser was pressured by Imran’s former aide to lower the valuation, and that the gift was never properly recorded or deposited in the Toshakhana before being bought back, amounting to fraud and misuse of public office.

Details Of The Sentence

Special Judge **Shahrukh Arjumand** announced the judgement at Adiala Jail, awarding **10 years’ imprisonment** each under **Section 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servant)** of the Pakistan Penal Code and an additional **seven years** each under **Section 5 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947**. The court ordered that the prison terms run consecutively, adding up to a total sentence of 17 years for both accused, alongside the PKR 16.4 million fine imposed on each of them.

In its written order, the court said it had taken a “**lenient view**” considering Imran Khan’s age and Bushra Bibi’s gender, but concluded that the prosecution had proved “beyond reasonable doubt” that the couple **knowingly undervalued and unlawfully retained** the Saudi gift in breach of Toshakhana rules and public trust.

Imran Khan’s Reaction And PTI’s Stand

Imran Khan has rejected the verdict as **politically motivated**, telling reporters inside the jail that he is being punished for “refusing a deal” and standing up to Pakistan’s military‑backed establishment. PTI leaders said they will file an immediate appeal in the Islamabad High Court and, if necessary, take the matter to the Supreme Court, insisting that the Toshakhana cases are part of a broader campaign to bar Khan from elections and dismantle the party’s leadership.

The party also questioned the fairness of holding the trial inside a prison and criticised what it called a “rush to conviction”, noting that this is Imran’s **third Toshakhana‑related conviction** after earlier sentences of three years and 14 years handed down in 2023 and 2024.

Political And Legal Fallout

The latest conviction further complicates Imran Khan’s efforts to return to frontline politics, as Pakistani law bars individuals convicted of serious corruption offences from holding public office for several years after their release. Analysts say the 17‑year sentence, combined with previous cases, could effectively sideline the former premier for an extended period, reshaping Pakistan’s opposition landscape ahead of any future elections.

Human‑rights groups and some opposition leaders have expressed concern over the pace and manner of the Toshakhana trials, while government allies argue that the verdict shows even powerful figures can be held accountable for **abusing state gifts for personal gain**.