By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Ex Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibion Saturday were accused of buying an expensive Bulgari jewelry set at a throwaway price.
The jewelry set was gifted to Imran Khan by the Saudi crown prince when he travelled to the Gulf nation on an official visit as the PM in May 2021, media reported.
Imran Khan was sentenced to 17 years in jail in a corruption case.
A special Federal Investigation Agency court also handed down the same sentence to PTI founder’s wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Toshakhana-2 case, local media reported.
Both were accused of buying an expensive Bulgari jewellery set at a throwaway price.
Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand handed down the sentences during a hearing at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, where Imran is currently jailed.
There was massive speculation around Imran’s health, but his sister met the PTI leader in jail and reported him to be fine.
Media reported hat the court has sentenced Imran to a total of 17 years in jail 10 year rigorous imprisonment under sections 34 (common intention) and 409 (criminal breach of trust) of the Pakistan Penal Code, and 7 years under Section 5(2) (criminal misconduct by public servants) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Similar sentences were awarded to Bushra Bibi.
The duo also been slapped with a fine of Rs 16.4 million. They face an additional prison term in case of failure to pay the fines.
The court said in its order that it had considered the old age of Imran Khan as well as the fact that Bushra Bibi is a female, in awarding a lesser punishment.
Both lawyers suggested that the duo would appeal the court verdict before the high court.
Two had rejected all allegations, called those fabricated and politically motivated.
Imran claimed the allegations were aimed at securing his disqualification from politics.
He had described the entire case as “malicious, fabricated, and politically engineered”.
The PTI founder had maintained that due process was followed in accordance with the Toshakhana Policy 2018 while acquired the gift. “We complied with the Toshakhana Policy in letter and spirit,” he had claimed.
