Rawalpindi, December 20, 2025: A special court on Saturday sentenced former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years’ imprisonment each in the Toshakhana-2 case, which pertains to the under- priced purchase of luxury state gifts.
The conviction adds to the mounting legal troubles of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, who has been incarcerated since August 2023 and is already serving a 14-year sentence in a separate land corruption case. Imran Khan faces dozens of cases lodged since his removal from office in 2022, ranging from corruption and terrorism-related charges to allegations involving state secrets. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, while PTI maintains the cases are politically motivated.
Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand announced the verdict after conducting more than 80 hearings at Adiala Jail. The case revolves around the acquisition of a high-value Bulgari jewellery set, which was allegedly purchased at a nominal price.
According to the judgment, both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment under Sections 34 and 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code, along with an additional seven years each under Section 5 of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), 1947. The court also imposed a combined fine of Rs16.4 million.
The judgment noted that the court had taken into account Imran Khan’s age and the fact that Bushra Bibi is a woman while determining the sentence. “Taking these factors into account, a lenient approach was adopted in awarding lesser punishment. Additionally, the benefit of Section 382-B of the Criminal Procedure Code has been extended to both convicts,” the verdict stated.
According to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) records, the Bulgari jewellery set, received as a gift from the Saudi crown prince, was valued at more than Rs71 million, a figure also confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The prosecution contended that the accused had the gift appraised at just Rs5.9 million by a private firm. The set comprised a necklace, bracelet, ring, and earrings, and was neither deposited in the Toshakhana nor accurately valued.
The prosecution further alleged that the valuation was carried out by private appraiser Sohaib Abbasi and later by customs officials, with undue influence exerted by Imran Khan’s former principal secretary, Inam Shah, to significantly undervalue the jewellery.
The Toshakhana-2 proceedings formally began on July 13, 2024, when the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) took Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi into custody at Adiala Jail. They remained in NAB custody for 37 days before the investigation concluded, and a reference was filed in the accountability court on August 20, 2024.
Following a Supreme Court ruling on amendments to NAB laws, the case was transferred to the FIA Anti-Corruption Court on September 9, 2024. The FIA subsequently added charges under Section 5 of the PCA, 1947, and Section 409 of the PPC. The trial commenced on September 16, 2024, with hearings held at Adiala Jail.
Bushra Bibi was granted bail by the Islamabad High Court on October 23, 2024, and released the next day, while Imran Khan secured bail on November 20, 2024. Formal charges were framed against both accused on December 12, 2024. Over the course of nearly a year, the court conducted more than 80 hearings.
During the trial, the prosecution presented testimony from 24 witnesses and completed cross-examinations of 20 key witnesses. Prominent among them were former military secretary Brigadier (retd) Muhammad Ahmad, private appraiser Sohaib Abbasi, and Imran Khan’s former principal secretary Inamullah.
The FIA prosecution team was led by Federal Prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi, assisted by Barristers Umair Majeed Malik, Bilal Butt, and Shahvez Gilani. The defence team comprised Arshad Tabrez, Qausain Faisal Mufti, and Barrister Salman Safdar.
