The PTI leader and founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi are facing trial regarding the Toshakhana case at the moment.
Toshakhana is an organization that accepts gifts meant for higher-ranking offices. The couple is said to have not declaratively and maintaining assets such as jewellery set donated by the Saudi Crown Prince.
Court Extends Imran Khan’s Judicial Remand
On Monday, the accountability court in Rawalpindi extended the judicial remand of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. Justice Javed Rana held that they continue to be in judicial custody till September 16. This was after the defence and the prosecution had made their submissions before the court.
Toshakhana Defence in Imran Khan Case
The defence counsel of Imran Khan while arguing before the bench said that the new Toshakhana reference is identical to the previous application. He stated that it was wrong for him to file two cases for the same accusation. It was argued by the lawyer that there was a need to change the reference.
Prosecution’s Stand Regarding Imran Khan
In response to what the defence had presented, the prosecutor from NAB gave his reply. He asked for the outlines of details from the former references to be provided. And those in the current references to be compared to establish a relationship. But the judge said no to this application, explaining that there was no need for it at this instance of the trial.
Imran Khan and the Toshakhana Jewelry Set
The new reference relates to the jewellery set that was given to Bushra Bibi when Imran Khan was still the Prime Minister. These pieces consist of a ring, bracelet, necklace, and earrings received during a trip to Saudi Arabia in May 2021. NAB further alleges that the couple misplaced this valuable gift and failed to report it properly.
NAB said that it recovered a jewellery set which it said belonged to Toaba and was valued at around Rs75 million. It was established that the set was sold for €300,000 and €80,000. Thus leading to a loss of cash belonging to the treasury. NAB responded to this by stating that owing to this undervaluation. This led to a loss of Rs30.28 million in the national treasury.
Upcoming Court Hearings
The next hearing is to be held on September 6. The court announced that in this session they will decide on the bail petitions filed by Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. Both look for bail so that they can be released from police custody. “Because they are awaiting trial or undergoing other legal processes.”
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi continue to be in the judicial remand in the Toshakhana case. The case revolves around issues of negligence and underestimation of a precious asset. Thus, the following hearings in the court will be decisive in this agitated process.
