A Pakistani accountability court has sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to a combined 17 years in prison after finding them guilty of unlawfully retaining and profiting from official state gifts. The ruling adds to a series of convictions faced by the former cricket star-turned-politician, who has been incarcerated since 2023.
The verdict relates to a corruption case commonly referred to as Toshakhana-II, which examined the handling of luxury items received during Khan’s time in office. Prosecutors focused on an expensive Bulgari jewelry set gifted to Bushra Bibi during a 2021 visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to the court, the items were deliberately undervalued when declared, allowing the couple to purchase them at a fraction of their actual market price and later benefit financially.
Under Pakistan’s rules governing the Toshakhana, state officials are required to buy gifted items at their assessed market value and disclose any profits earned if the items are later sold. The court found that these regulations were violated through misrepresentation of the jewelry’s worth.
Along with the prison terms, the court imposed a financial penalty totaling 16 million Pakistani rupees. The sentence includes two concurrent punishments: one for criminal breach of trust and another for misconduct in public office. While announcing the decision, the judge noted that Khan’s age was considered when determining the length of the sentence.
Appeals and Political Fallout
Both Khan and Bushra Bibi have denied all charges and are expected to challenge the ruling in higher courts. Their legal team has criticized the timing and manner of the sentencing, claiming procedural unfairness and a lack of opportunity for adequate defense.
The decision has sparked strong reactions across Pakistan’s political landscape. Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), condemned the ruling as politically driven and accused state institutions of targeting its leader to sideline him from national politics. Party officials also raised concerns about transparency, noting that the trial took place inside a high-security prison facility with restricted public access.
Government representatives, however, defended the judgment, stating that it was based on documented evidence and testimony from senior officials who served during Khan’s tenure. Legal analysts have pointed out that the case relied heavily on official records and valuation reports presented during the trial.
Ongoing Legal Troubles
Imran Khan was removed from power through a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022 and has since faced a series of legal challenges. He is currently serving time in connection with multiple cases, some of which are under appeal. Despite his imprisonment, Khan remains a central figure in Pakistani politics, with his supporters continuing to rally around claims that the charges are meant to prevent his political comeback.
Pakistan’s political climate remains deeply polarized, and the latest conviction is expected to intensify debates over judicial independence, accountability, and the role of the military in civilian governance. As appeals move forward, the case is likely to remain under close national and international scrutiny.
