The accountability court defers charges in the high-profile case involving Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, with the FIA receiving the investigation report

An accountability court has once again delayed the indictment in the Toshakhana 2.0 case, which involves former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. The hearing, held at Adiala Jail on December 9, 2024, saw no formal charges being filed, and the court decided to defer the indictment until December 12.

The case revolves around the illegal retention of a Bulgari jewelry set by the couple, which was gifted to Bushra Bibi during a visit to Saudi Arabia in May 2021. The set, comprising a ring, bracelet, necklace, and earrings, is at the centre of an investigation by Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

The court, presided over by Special Judge Central Shah Rukh, also cancelled the arrest warrant for Bushra Bibi following her appearance. The court ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to provide copies of the investigation report to the defendants, as requested.

In a related development, the defendants in the £190 million reference case submitted their responses to the Section 342 questionnaire, with the hearing adjourned to December 12. Both cases are being heard by Judge Nasir Javed Rana, who is overseeing the proceedings.

The Toshakhana 2.0 case has been a significant point of contention in Pakistani politics. The reference claims that the jewelry set, originally valued at approximately Rs75.6 million, was not deposited into the Toshakhana, the government’s official gift repository, as required by law. Investigators found that the jewelry had been illegally retained by Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, which resulted in a loss of Rs32.85 million to the national treasury.

The jewelry set’s valuation revealed discrepancies, as the necklace was priced at Rs56.5 million and the earrings at Rs15.1 million, but the prices of the bracelet and ring were unavailable. Toshakhana rules stipulate that the value of any gift retained by government officials should be paid at a 50% rate, meaning the couple should have paid approximately Rs35.8 million for the set.

The NAB has charged both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi with violations under the NAB Ordinance 1999, specifically Sections 9, 3, 4, 6, and 12, for misappropriating state resources. These charges come as part of a broader effort by the government to hold prominent figures accountable for actions that could have harmed the national interest.

Despite the delay, the case remains a focal point in Pakistan’s political landscape, with the opposition calling it a blatant abuse of power. As the legal proceedings continue, the future of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi hangs in the balance, with public and political scrutiny intensifying.