In a significant development, a new case of Toshakhana misuse has emerged against PTI Founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has launched an investigation into the alleged illegal possession and sale of seven high-value watches and 10 other precious gifts, including diamond and gold jewellery.
According to the inquiry report, a copy of which is available with Samaa TV, the allegations involve the unauthorized sale of valuable items such as Graff and Rolex watches, as well as diamond and gold jewellery. The report indicates that these gifts were sold without being legally owned or deposited in the Toshakhana, as required by law.
Also Read: IHC suspends Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi's sentences in Toshakhana case
The report specifically mentions a set of expensive Graff watches that were sold without proper retention. It highlights the legal mandate that all gifts must first be reported and deposited in the Toshakhana. Only items valued up to Rs30,000 can be retained for free by the recipients.
The Graff watch buyer was facilitated by the alleged collusion of a private appraiser. The estimator's underestimating the price of the watch by Rs30 million before receiving the email from Toshakhana is proof of the collusion, according to NAB. The watch, valued at Rs100.9 million, saw only 20% of its amount, Rs20.1 million, deposited into the government treasury.
NAB's investigation aims to uncover the extent of the misuse of Toshakhana regulations and the alleged underreporting and sale of these valuable gifts.
On April 1, the Islamabad High Court had suspended the sentences of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in a previous Toshakhana reference of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
Also Read: Explainer: What is Toshakhana case?
On January 31, Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir had sentenced the couple to imprisonment of 14 years each. Khan was also disqualified from holding any public office for 10 years. A fine of Rs787 million was also imposed on each, which totalled Rs1.58 billion collectively.
According to the judgement, the fine amount will be recoverable in the form of tax arrears, while the time spent in jail will be considered part of the punishment.
