Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been handed additional prison sentences in a high-profile corruption case involving state gifts. The verdict has further intensified political tensions in Pakistan, while also raising fresh questions about accountability, governance, and judicial independence.
The case, widely known as Toshakhana 2, centers on the alleged misuse of luxury gifts received during Khan’s tenure as prime minister. According to court findings, Pakistan’s strict rules on state gifts were violated, leading to criminal convictions and substantial financial penalties.
Background of the Toshakhana 2 Case
The Toshakhana 2 case revolves around a luxury Bulgari jewellery set that was reportedly gifted to Bushra Bibi by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an official state visit in 2021. Under Pakistan’s law, all gifts received by public office holders from foreign dignitaries are required to be deposited in the Toshakhana, the state treasury department.
However, the law also allows officials to repurchase these items by paying a government-assessed value. In this case, it was alleged that the jewellery was intentionally undervalued through a private firm. As a result, the item was reportedly bought back at a price far below its market value.
The prosecution argued that this process amounted to criminal breach of trust and misuse of authority, directly violating established state gift regulations.
Court Verdict and Sentencing Details
After reviewing the evidence, the court convicted both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. The sentences were announced as follows:
- Imran Khan received 10 years in prison for criminal breach of trust
- An additional 7 years were imposed for criminal misconduct
- Bushra Bibi was also sentenced in connection with the same charges
- A combined fine of over 16 million Pakistani rupees was levied
It was stated in the judgment that the sentences would run concurrently with Khan’s existing prison terms. The judge also noted that some leniency was shown due to Khan’s advanced age, which influenced the sentencing decision.
Legal Team’s Response and Planned Appeal
Imran Khan’s legal representatives strongly rejected the verdict. His lawyer, Salman Safdar, revealed that the defense team was informed about the sentencing late on a Friday night, after regular court hours. This, he argued, limited their ability to prepare an immediate response.
It has been confirmed that the verdict will be challenged in the high court, where the defense intends to contest both the legal process and the interpretation of evidence. According to Khan’s legal team, the case has been described as politically motivated, aimed at sidelining him from Pakistan’s political landscape.
A Pattern of Ongoing Legal Challenges
The Toshakhana 2 ruling is not an isolated incident. Since August 2023, Imran Khan has remained in custody while facing more than 100 legal cases, although the exact number has not been officially confirmed. These cases range from allegations of corruption and selling state gifts to leaking state secrets.
Earlier this year, Khan was sentenced to 14 years in prison in a separate corruption case. While he was acquitted in a previous Toshakhana-related case, multiple other proceedings remain unresolved.
Legal analysts have observed that the volume and diversity of cases against Khan make his situation unprecedented in Pakistan’s political history.
Terrorism Charges and May 9 Protests
Among the most serious pending cases are terrorism-related charges linked to violent protests that erupted on 9 May 2023. These protests followed Khan’s earlier arrest and resulted in widespread damage to public and military properties.
Authorities accused Khan of inciting unrest, while his supporters claimed the protests were spontaneous expressions of public anger. These cases are still under judicial review and could further impact Khan’s legal standing.
Political Fallout and Removal from Office
Imran Khan served as Pakistan’s prime minister until April 2022, when he was removed through a vote of no confidence. Since then, his relationship with Pakistan’s political establishment and military leadership has remained deeply strained.
Despite being absent from public view due to incarceration, Khan’s influence has continued through social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter). Messages attributed to him have frequently criticized Pakistan’s current government and the country’s powerful army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Several posts have included harsh language, with one message labeling the army chief a “tyrannical dictator.” These statements have further escalated tensions between Khan’s supporters and state institutions.
Restrictions on Visits and Prison Conditions
According to reports, Imran Khan has faced strict limitations on family visits while in custody. In November, he was denied visitors for nearly a month. Following sustained pressure from his family and political party, his sister was allowed a brief visit in early December.
Shortly after that meeting, Khan’s social media account posted a statement describing Field Marshal Asim Munir as a “mentally unstable person.” Since then, no further family visits have reportedly been permitted.
Human rights observers have raised concerns about transparency and access to legal counsel, although authorities maintain that all procedures are being followed according to prison regulations.
Public Reaction and Political Implications
The sentencing has deeply divided public opinion across Pakistan. Supporters of Imran Khan view the verdict as selective accountability, arguing that it reflects political vendetta rather than justice. Critics, however, believe the ruling reinforces the principle that no one is above the law, regardless of political status.
International observers are closely monitoring developments, as the case has significant implications for Pakistan’s democratic stability, judicial credibility, and future elections.
What Lies Ahead for Imran Khan
Despite multiple convictions, Imran Khan still commands a strong support base. His party continues to mobilize supporters, and legal appeals are expected to shape the next phase of his political journey.
With several cases still pending, including terrorism allegations and corruption charges, Khan’s future remains uncertain. However, his continued presence in Pakistan’s political discourse suggests that his influence has not been completely diminished.
Conclusion
The Toshakhana 2 verdict marks another critical chapter in the legal and political saga of Imran Khan. The sentencing of both Khan and Bushra Bibi over alleged misuse of state gifts has reinforced ongoing debates about accountability, power, and justice in Pakistan.
As appeals move forward and other cases continue, the outcome of this legal battle will likely have lasting consequences for Pakistan’s political environment. Whether viewed as rightful accountability or political persecution, the case has undeniably reshaped the country’s contemporary political narrative.
