Rawalpindi/Islamabad, December 20, 2025: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday strongly criticised the Toshakhana-2 verdict against former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, alleging that the decision was announced in the absence of the accused, their family members, and legal counsel.
Earlier in the day, a special court sentenced Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to 17 years’ imprisonment each in the Toshakhana-2 case, which relates to the alleged under-priced purchase of luxury state gifts, including an expensive Bulgari jewellery set. The verdict was pronounced by Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand after more than 80 hearings conducted at Adiala Jail.
Under the judgment, both were awarded 10 years’ imprisonment each 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.
Reacting to the ruling, PTI said in a statement posted on X that Imran Khan’s family was not allowed to enter the jail premises, where it termed the proceedings a “kangaroo court.” The party also shared a video showing Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, seated inside a car and questioning why she was being prevented from moving forward.
“They can’t stop us. The jail trial is today,” Aleema Khan said in the video shared by PTI’s official X account.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the verdict would deepen public disappointment. Addressing a two-day conference of opposition parties alongside leaders including Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Javed Hashmi, he said the party had expected the special court’s decision to pave the way for the former prime minister’s release.
Gohar renewed PTI’s call for dialogue with the coalition government at the Centre. “Let us sit together. You correct yourselves, and we will correct ourselves,” he said, adding, “Let’s make a new beginning today.”
Speaking to reporters, senior PTI leader Salman Akram Raja condemned the verdict, arguing that denying the presence of family members and lawyers during the proceedings violated fundamental legal rights. He said the presence of Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s family, and legal counsel in court was a “basic right,” noting that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had explicitly ordered that family members be allowed to attend hearings.
“We are part of the legal team, and it is our right to be present during the hearing,” Raja said. He further alleged that the case was being pursued on the basis of approvers’ statements rather than solid evidence, adding that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had assessed the same valuation as reflected in official records.
Imran Khan’s counsel, Barrister Salman Safdar, also raised objections to the trial process while speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail. He said lawyers were informed about the hearing around 8pm and described the developments as abrupt.
“The case was adjourned on October 16. Today, arguments were to be completed, not the verdict announced,” Safdar said, claiming the decision was delivered in the absence of both the accused and their lawyers.
According to Safdar, the court sentenced Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to 17 years’ imprisonment each and imposed fines amounting to Rs164 million. He said the judge issued a written verdict comprising 59 pages and 35 paragraphs. Safdar added that Imran Khan had directed the legal team to file an appeal in the Islamabad High Court on behalf of himself and his wife.
