Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have moved the Islamabad High Court (IHC) by filing separate appeals against their convictions in the Toshakhana-2 case, in which both were recently sentenced to 17 years in prison.
The appeals challenge the verdict announced on December 20 by a special court, which found the former prime minister and his spouse guilty of unlawfully obtaining expensive state gifts at a heavily reduced price. Along with the jail terms, the court also imposed a combined fine of Rs16.4 million on the couple.
The case centres on the alleged purchase of a high-value Bulgari jewellery set from Toshakhana, the official storehouse for gifts received by public office holders. Prosecutors claim the jewellery including a necklace, bracelet, ring and earrings — was acquired at a nominal price, causing loss to the state.
Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand delivered the verdict after holding nearly 80 hearings at Adiala Jail. The court sentenced Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to 10 years each under sections 34 and 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code, along with an additional seven years each under Section 5 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.
In their petitions, the appellants have asked the IHC to set aside the conviction, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish its case beyond doubt. They contend the trial court relied mainly on the statement of an approver, which they say is legally insufficient to justify a conviction. They also objected to the declaration of a private appraiser, Sohaib Abbasi, as an approver, calling it unlawful.
The appeals further argue that imposing multiple punishments for the same alleged offence is illegal and that the special court did not have proper jurisdiction. The couple maintains that the jewellery was retained under Toshakhana rules applicable at the time and claims the case was initiated without a fair investigation.
Describing the proceedings as politically motivated, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi allege the case is part of a broader effort to target PTI leadership.
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Imran Khan’s appeal has been registered under diary number 24560, while Bushra Bibi’s appeal carries diary number 24561. Imran Khan has been in jail since August 2023 and is also serving a separate sentence in another corruption case.
