Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Receive Additional Jail Sentences in Luxury Jewelry Fraud Case
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have received additional jail sentences in connection with a fraud case involving state gifts. They were found guilty of violating Pakistan's gift regulations after Bibi received a luxury jewelry set from Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman during a state visit in 2021. The new sentences, which include 10 years for criminal breach of trust and seven years for criminal misconduct, will reportedly be served concurrently with their previous convictions. Khan has dismissed the charges as politically motivated, and his legal team plans to challenge the verdict in the high court.
The former prime minister and his wife were not present during the sentencing hearing, and their legal team was informed of the verdict late at night after normal court hours. Khan, a former cricket star-turned-politician, has been detained since August 2023 and has faced numerous charges, including leaking state secrets and selling state gifts. The jewelry case, known as Toshakhana 2, revolves around the alleged undervaluation of the Bulgari jewelry set given to Bibi by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In addition to their jail terms, the couple was fined over 16 million Pakistani rupees.
Khan, who was ousted as prime minister in April 2022, continues to have other legal cases pending against him, including terrorism charges related to violent protests in May 2023. Despite being critical of the current government and army chief Field Marshall Asim Munir on social media, Khan has been denied family visits and limited contact with the outside world. The judge cited Khan's "old age" as a factor in the lenient sentencing. The former leader's legal battles and imprisonment have kept him out of the public eye, but his influence and presence are still felt in the political landscape of Pakistan.