A Pakistani court has sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison each in a corruption case, according to local media reports.
The verdict was delivered by Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand during proceedings held inside Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan has been incarcerated. The court found both guilty of abuse of authority and criminal breach of trust in connection with the misuse of state gifts.
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Sentence details
Imran Khan was awarded 10 years’ imprisonment under Sections 34 and 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deal with common intention and criminal breach of trust. He was additionally sentenced to seven years under Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Bushra Bibi received identical sentences under the same legal provisions.
Fines and penalties
The court also imposed a fine of Rs 16.4 million on each convict. The judge cautioned that failure to pay the fines would result in additional jail time.
Toshakhana case background
The case is linked to alleged violations of Toshakhana rules, which regulate the retention or disposal of gifts received by public officials. Investigators said the case involved an expensive jewellery set gifted to Imran Khan by the Saudi crown prince during an official visit in May 2021, which was allegedly purchased later at a price significantly lower than its market value, in breach of the rules.
