An Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir pronounced the Toshakhana reference case on Wednesday and sentenced the founding Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and his wife Bushra Bibi to 14 years each imprisonment.
PTI founder Imran Khan was also disqualified from holding any public office for 10 years. A fine of Rs787 million was also imposed on each that totalled Rs1.58 billion collectively.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder was brought to court, however, Bushra Bibi did not appear. The court summoned the PTI founder to appear and inquired where his 342 statement was.
Imran Khan replied: “The statement is in the room, I was only called to appear before the court.”
The judge directed Imran Khan to submit his statement immediately and remarked: “Don't waste court time.”
Imran Khan asked the judge why he was in such a hurry and highlighted he was sentenced hurriedly in a cipher case.
“The lawyers have not come yet, I will submit the statement after showing them,” the PTI founder and then left the courtroom.
Judge Muhammad Bashir then asked Imran Khan to go and get his statement from his room immediately.
“I have to change some things in my statement,” the founder of PTI Imran Khan replied. “You should bring the statement and type it on the computer and later you can change it,” the judge said and instructed the deputy superintendent to accompany the PTI founder.
PTI founder did not return after leaving the courtroom.
“He is not coming back,” the deputy superintendent informed the judge replied. The judge inquired why was the accused not coming on he said: “He is saying they will not come until the lawyers come.”
The judge directed the court official to call out the case title and on instructions, the court official went to the court verandah and called out the names of both accused.
“The founder of PTI did not come despite the call,” and the court subsequently pronounced the decision.
Both the accused will not be able to get any loan,” the decision of the court.
Accountability Court judge Muhammad Bashir said that the detailed decision will be issued later.
On Tuesday, the hearing of the Toshakhana reference against Imran Khan, founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and his wife Bushra Bibi was adjourned after presiding Judge Muhammad Bashir fell ill and was hospitalized.
During the proceedings, Bushra Bibi's statement was recorded under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC), but Khan's statement was deferred to the next hearing. The defense team also plans to present their witness list at that time.
Tensions flared when Imran Khan addressed the judge, expressing frustration at the missed opportunity to cross-examine witnesses. "Our right to defend ourselves has been curtailed," he stated.
"I was prepared to question the witnesses about the actual price of the gifts, something crucial for my defense. This opportunity has been denied." He further declared, "I am capable of defending myself. Am I expected to receive the verdict today itself?"
Khan also raised concerns about alleged discrepancies in information provided by the Prime Minister's House military secretary. "There have been instances of blatant lies," he asserted.
Furthermore, the PTI founder accused the military secretary of the Prime Minister's House of falsehood, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing legal proceedings.
The adjournment due to the judge's health is unexpected, adding another layer to the already complex and highly publicized Toshakhana case.
Must Read: Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood sentenced to 10 years in prison in cipher case
In less than 24 hours, former prime minister Imran Khan got a second sentence from the courts. On Tuesday, former premier Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have each been sentenced to 10 years in prison in the cipher case.
The verdict was pronounced by Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqernain of the Official Secrets Act special court after conducting proceedings in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
The judge said the prosecution had enough solid evidence to prove the crime.
Both the accused were present in the courtroom at the time of sentencing, and they refused to sign the statement questionnaire under Section 342 of CrPC. They said they would not sign the questionnaire in the absence of their lawyers.
