In a significant legal development, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi have been handed additional prison sentences in a high-profile fraud case concerning state gifts. The conviction centers on a luxury Bulgari jewelry set received from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an official 2021 visit.
The Islamabad court delivered sentences of 10 years for criminal breach of trust and 7 years for criminal misconduct, accompanied by a fine exceeding 16 million Pakistani rupees (£42,600). These terms will run concurrently with their existing prison sentences. Notably, the defendants were absent during sentencing, with their legal team receiving notification after standard court hours concluded.
This case, colloquially termed ‘Toshakhana 2’ in Pakistani media, alleges that Khan orchestrated the undervaluation of the jewelry through a private firm before repurchasing it at a substantially reduced price—a direct violation of Pakistan’s regulations requiring state gifts to be deposited with the Toshakhana treasury.
Khan’s defense team, led by attorney Salman Safdar, has characterized the charges as politically motivated and plans to appeal the verdict in Pakistan’s high court. This judgment represents the latest in over 100 legal cases brought against the former cricket icon since his removal from office via no-confidence vote in April 2022.
The sentencing occurs against a backdrop of heightened political tensions. Khan’s social media channels continue to operate despite his incarceration, posting content sharply critical of current military leadership. Recent months have seen restricted visitation rights, with family access severely limited following controversial posts attributed to Khan.
Correctional authorities confirmed both defendants were present during the verdict announcement, though media observation was prohibited. The court documentation notably referenced leniency in sentencing due to Khan’s ‘advanced age.’