The Toshakhana II case has emerged as one of Pakistan’s most high-profile corruption trials, involving Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, and his wife Bushra Bibi. The case centres on allegations of illegally retaining and undervaluing a luxury gift received from the Saudi Crown Prince.
Arrests, start of Toshakhana II case
On July 13, 2024, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi in Adiala Jail in connection with the Toshakhana II case. Both remained in NAB custody for 37 days, marking the formal beginning of the investigation phase.
After completing its investigation, NAB filed a reference in the Accountability Court on August 20, 2024.
However, following the Supreme Court’s decision restoring NAB amendments, the case was transferred on September 9, 2024, to the Federal Investigation Agency Anti-Corruption Court.
After assuming jurisdiction, the FIA added Section 5 of the Anti-Corruption Act and Section 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) to the case.
Under these provisions, the suspects could face up to 14 years or life imprisonment, along with disqualification from holding public office if convicted.
Trial proceedings, indictments
The formal trial of the Toshakhana II case began on September 16, 2024, with Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand conducting the first hearing inside Adiala Jail.
On October 23, 2024, the Islamabad High Court granted bail to Bushra Bibi. She was released from Adiala Jail the following day, October 24, 2024.
Also Read: Toshakhana 2 case: Imran Khan, Bushra sentenced to 17 years in prison each
Later, on November 20, 2024, the Islamabad High Court also granted bail to the PTI founder in the Toshakhana II case. On December 12, 2024, both the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi were formally indicted, concluding the pre-trial phase. The trial of the case lasted for about a year in Adiala Jail.
Allegations involving Bvlgari gift
The core allegation revolves around a Bvlgari jewellery set received in 2021 from the Saudi Crown Prince.
According to FIA records, the jewellery set -- comprising a necklace, bracelet, ring, and earrings -- was valued at more than Rs75.1 million. The record of the jewellery set was also obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Investigators allege that the jewellery set was never deposited in the Toshakhana, in violation of rules governing state gifts. Instead, the accused reportedly got the value of the set assessed at just Rs5.9 million from a private firm.
The valuation was initially carried out by private appraiser Sohaib Abbasi, followed by Customs officials.
According to Abbasi’s testimony, Inam Shah, the PTI founder’s private secretary, pressured him to issue a lower price assessment, suggesting misuse of influence to reduce the official value.
Witnesses, hearings, prosecution details
The trial lasted nearly a year and involved more than 80 hearings, all conducted inside Adiala Jail.
Out of 21 total witnesses, statements of 18 witnesses were recorded and cross-examined. Key witnesses included former military secretary Brig (retd) Muhammad Ahmed, private appraiser Sohaib Abbasi, and the PTI founder’s former principal secretary Inamullah. The FIA prosecution team dropped four witnesses during proceedings.
The government was represented by Federal Prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi, along with Barrister Umair Majeed Malik, Bilal Butt, and Shahvez Gilani.
The defense for the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi was led by Arshad Tabrez, Qausain Faisal Mufti, and Barrister Salman Safdar.
