Pakistan: Imran Khan, wife sentenced to 14 years in jail in Toshakhana case; PTI plans legal challenge

Imran Khan jail: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had filed a reference against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi on December 19, alleging irregularities in the Toshakhana case.

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Edited By: Prateek Gautam
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Imran Khan jail: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) declared on Wednesday its intention to challenge the recent verdict against former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Toshakhana case. The legal move comes after an accountability court sentenced them to 14 years in jail.

Hasty Verdict and Allegations

Imran Khan's lawyer, Barrister Ali Zafar, accused the accountability court of delivering a hasty verdict upon learning of PTI's plan to approach the Islamabad High Court. He claimed that PTI lawyers were denied the opportunity to conduct cross-examination in the Toshakhana case.

Legal Strategy Unveiled

Barrister Ali Zafar confirmed the party's intention to approach the Islamabad High Court to seek a suspension of the Toshakhana case verdict. Additionally, an application will be filed to obtain a copy of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) court's verdict.

Background of the Case

The NAB had filed a reference against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi on December 19, 2023, in the Toshakhana case, leading to the recent court proceedings. The accountability court, headed by Judge Muhammad Bashir, not only sentenced the couple to 14 years but also disqualified them from holding public office for a decade, imposing a fine of PKR 787 million.

Imran Khan's Court Appearance

During the court hearing, Imran Khan appeared, but Bushra Bibi was absent. Responding to queries, Imran Khan stated, "The statement is in the room; I was only called to appear before the court." The judge directed him to submit his statement promptly.

Legal Ramifications and Consequences

Imran Khan's legal challenges intensified as the court's verdict included both imprisonment and disqualification from public office for ten years. The legal team's strategy involves contesting these decisions in the higher courts.

Bushra Bibi Surrenders

Following the court's verdict, Bushra Bibi voluntarily surrendered at Adiala Jail, where she was arrested by the ladies' police. The NAB team had been constituted for her arrest.

Political Fallout and Previous Conviction

The Toshakhana case has been a contentious issue in Pakistani politics, and Imran Khan's legal woes come on the heels of a separate conviction involving the breach of state secrets.

Continued Legal Battles

Imran Khan's legal battles continue, and the PTI's decision to challenge the verdict sets the stage for a protracted legal showdown in the Islamabad High Court.

Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi's legal saga unfolds as PTI gears up for a legal battle against the Toshakhana case verdict.