Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan faced a major legal setback after a special court sentenced him and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years in prison each in the high-profile Toshakhana-2 corruption case. The verdict has sent shockwaves across Pakistan’s political landscape and added to Khan’s growing legal troubles.
Court Verdict and Charges
A special court set up inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail delivered the judgment. Judge Shahrukh Arjumand ruled that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi misused their positions to illegally acquire expensive gifts received from the Saudi government while Khan was in office. Instead of depositing the gifts in the national treasury, the couple allegedly purchased them at throwaway prices.
The court convicted Imran Khan of criminal breach of trust and violations under the anti-corruption law. It awarded him 10 years for breach of trust and seven additional years under corruption charges. The court handed the same punishment to Bushra Bibi. Both also received a fine of ₹1.64 crore each.
Reasons Behind the Sentence
The judge noted that the court considered Imran Khan’s age and Bushra Bibi’s status as a woman while deciding the punishment. Despite this, the court found strong evidence that proved deliberate misuse of authority. As a result, it imposed a lengthy jail term.
Growing Legal Troubles for Imran Khan
Imran Khan, now 73, has faced multiple cases since losing power in April 2022. Authorities arrested him in August 2023, and he has remained in Adiala Jail since then. This latest conviction further extends his prison term and increases the number of cases pending against him.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Supreme Court plans to hear 13 petitions linked to Imran Khan’s other cases on February 9. Legal experts say the former prime minister still has the option to challenge the Toshakhana-2 verdict in the High Court.
The ruling marks another turning point in Pakistan’s volatile political environment, with nationwide attention focused on Imran Khan’s next legal move.
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