The Islamabad High Court has issued a detailed 14-page verdict approving bail for the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, in the Toshakhana II case, citing it as a matter requiring further inquiry.
Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb authored the judgement, which outlines the reasons for granting bail to the 72-year-old former prime minister, who remained in custody for over four months in this case.
The court observed that no action could be taken for not depositing the gift of a Bulgari set in the Toshakhana. However, failure to submit a gift receipt could have resulted in action under the rules.
The judgement noted that documentary evidence is already with the prosecution, eliminating concerns about tampering. Furthermore, the indictment has yet to be filed, and the trial is unlikely to conclude soon, the court noted in the verdict.
The court directed PTI Founder Imran Khan to attend all hearings and warned against misuse of the bail concession. It also authorised the prosecution to seek bail cancellation if the terms are violated.
The judgement noted that the statement of Sohaib Abbasi, who determined the price of the gift and was pardoned by the NAB chairman and turned an approver in the case, had yet to be recorded by the trial court. His pardon remains unaddressed by FIA authorities.
The court emphasized that the trial court must ensure impartial proceedings while recording statements of all witnesses.
Progress in Toshakhana 2 trial
The Toshakhana 2 case, heard at Adiala Jail by Special Judge Central Islamabad Shahrukh Arjumand, saw the cross-examination of the defense lawyers on one of the prosecution witnesses, Cabinet Division Toshakhana Section Officer Binyamin. The second prosecution witness, Cabinet Division Deputy Secretary Muhammad Ahad, also recorded his statement.
Moreover, summons were issued to four additional prosecution witnesses for testimony. The hearing was adjourned until January 8, with defense lawyers scheduled to complete cross-examination of Muhammad Ahad at the next session.
Imran Khan was presented in the special court, while Bushra Bibi also appeared.
