Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik on Saturday asserted that the conviction of former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana-II case was fully consistent with constitutional and legal requirements.
In an official statement, Barrister Aqeel Malik said the former PTI chairman had breached the law, alleging that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi intentionally undervalued a Bulgari jewellery set to acquire it at a price far below its actual worth, resulting in financial loss to the national exchequer. He stressed that accountability was essential to maintain transparency and strengthen the rule of law.
Separately, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani said that under established rules, all state gifts must be deposited in the Toshakhana. He alleged that the jewellery was unlawfully purchased at a nominal price, describing the act as a clear case of fraud.
Earlier, an accountability court sentenced Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to a total of 17 years’ imprisonment each in the Toshakhana-II case. The punishment includes 10 years’ imprisonment in the corruption reference and an additional seven years under Section 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The court also imposed fines of Rs164 million on each of the convicts.
The verdict was announced by Accountability Court Special Judge Central Shah Rukh Arjumand during proceedings held at Adiala Jail, with both accused present in court.
Government representatives reiterated that the ruling followed due legal process and reaffirmed that no one was above the law, emphasizing the need for strict enforcement of accountability laws to safeguard public funds and uphold institutional integrity.
