Imran Khan sentenced to 17 years in Toshakhana-II case, call for protests across the country

Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has urged his supporters to launch nationwide street protests and announced plans to challenge their sentences in the Islamabad High Court after he and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 17 years in jail in the Toshakhana-II corruption case.

This decision was given by Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand on December 20 during the jail trial in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. In this, the couple was convicted of illegally possessing a precious Bulgari jewelery set gifted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his 2021 visit. The prosecution alleged that the set, worth about Rs 80 million, was understated and purchased at a small fraction of its value, causing loss to the exchequer. Both were sentenced to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment for criminal breach of trust under sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and seven years’ imprisonment under anti-corruption laws, along with a fine of Rs 16.4 million each (with additional jail term in default of payment of fine). The court described the sentence as “lenient”, citing Khan’s age and Bushra Bibi’s gender.

Khan denied wrongdoing, calling the verdict “baseless” and politically motivated, claiming no evidence was presented and defense lawyers were not properly heard. Sending messages through lawyers on

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) criticized the decision, calling it “unconstitutional” and “political vendetta”, and alleged a closed-door “kangaroo court”. Khan’s family was barred from attending.

It adds to Khan’s string of convictions since his ouster in 2022, further stoking political tensions ahead of possible appeals and protests.