Imran Khan is granted bail in the Toshakhana case by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) subject to rigorous conditions. Bail does not guarantee release given pending cases across Punjab, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad.
The plea of the sister for bail in all circumstances is denied by the Lahore High Court (LHC).
Imran Khan’s bail in the Toshakhana case: a glimmer of hope among legal obstacles
Significantly, in the Toshakhana case concerning the undervaluation of official gifts, including an expensive Bulgari jewelry set, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has granted post-arrest release to former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb sternly warns the bail, awarded against surety bonds valued at Rs10 million. Non-cooperation throughout trial procedures could cause a cancellation.
Although the ruling certifies a legal success for the underprivileged PTI president, his release from Adiala Jail is not assured. He appears to have about twenty cases spanning several courts, hence it is doubtful he will walk free anytime soon.
Elements of the Toshakhana Case
Allegations that Imran Khan purchased state presents at discounted rates, therefore breaching Toshakhana rules, are the main focus of the Toshakhana case. According to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, benefited but the state suffered financial losses.
But Khan’s legal team denied the charges, contending that the gifts were bought within the 2018 Toshakhana rules with accepted values. They also emphasized alleged manipulation of witnesses and procedural errors including a three-year wait in lawsuit filing.
Justice Aurangzeb called attention to the lack of openness during Khan’s presidency and questioned the validity of the prosecution’s evidence. The court stressed the need of more investigation on the matter even if she granted bail.
Many Cases Intervening Khan’s Release
Khan stays behind even though he was granted bail in the Toshakhana case because of the several criminal charges against him. Sources show he requires bail in at least eight instances in Lahore about the violent demonstrations of May 9, 2023.
New charges under anti-terrorism statutes were registered against Rawalpindi following PTI demonstrations on September 28 and October 5. Allegations of violating public gathering laws, interfering with police activity, and promoting violence abound in these cases.
Khan has 62 cases alone in Islamabad, which complicates his legal fight even more.
Rawalpindi Arrest Based on Fresh Charges
Rawalpindi police detained Imran Khan under terrorist allegations connected to a September demonstration hours after he was given bail in Islamabad. According to the claims, Khan encouraged supporters to organize protests at Liaquat Bagh while in Adiala Jail, which resulted in conflicts and public safety issues.
Using the Anti-Terrorism Act, the Rawalpindi police have also registered six further cases against PTI officials.
An array ahead for Imran Khan
Imran Khan’s legal issues are growing, and the road to release is still full of obstacles. Even though he got bail in the Toshakhana case, the sheer number of open cases and fresh charges has made his legal fight an extended journey.
Given Pakistan’s political environment, the result of these trials will greatly affect the nation’s future since the former prime minister keeps fighting on several fronts.
