In a significant development, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted bail to former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday in the Toshakhana 2.0 case, according to News.
Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb of the IHC approved Imran Khan’s bail application, instructing him to submit surety bonds worth Rs1 million each to secure his release.
The court also directed the former premier to appear before the trial court following his bail.
During the proceedings, Barrister Salman Safdar, representing Khan, argued that the allegations were rooted in claims of using influence for personal benefit.
He stated that the charge sheet did not clearly identify the main accused and noted that the case was initiated over three years after the alleged incident.
Barrister Salman also asserted that no wrongdoing occurred under the Toshakhana policy, as the gifts in question were acquired in accordance with established protocols.
Justice Aurangzeb criticized the previous government’s policy of keeping Toshakhana records confidential, highlighting that such information was often withheld even when sought by the courts.
In response, the FIA prosecutor alleged that the Bulgari gift set had not been registered with Toshakhana and claimed that Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, caused financial losses to the state by undervaluing the gifts.
The hearing was briefly adjourned, during which the prosecutor raised concerns about the delay in indicting Bushra Bibi in the case.
After granting bail, the court cautioned that it could revoke the bail if it was misused.
Toshakhana 2.0 Case Details
Bushra Bibi received a Bulgari jewelry set—comprising a ring, bracelet, necklace, and earrings—during a visit to Saudi Arabia from May 7 to 10, 2021.
The investigation revealed that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi had allegedly retained the jewelry set unlawfully.
On May 18, 2021, the Deputy Military Secretary requested the Toshakhana Section Officer to appraise and record the jewelry’s value, but it was reportedly not deposited.
According to the reference, Bulgari sold the necklace to Saudi Arabian franchise Solugent Trading on May 25, 2018, for 300,000 euros, while the earrings were sold for 80,000 euros.
Prices for the bracelet and ring were unavailable. By May 28, 2021, the jewelry set’s total value was estimated at Rs75,661,600, with the necklace valued at Rs56,496,000 and the earrings at Rs15,065,600.
Under Toshakhana rules, the jewelry set’s value after a 50 percent payment should have been Rs35,765,800.
However, the NAB reference stated that undervaluing the set resulted in a loss of Rs32,851,300 to the national treasury. Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were accused of violating Section 9 and Subsections 3, 4, 6, and 12 of the NAB Ordinance 1999.
