The NAB is calling on the IHC to reverse the sentences handed down to Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi regarding the Toshakhana case.
The NAB prosecutor voiced his disapproval of the trial and sentencing procedures.
In the Toshakhana case, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) of Pakistan has formally requested that the Islamabad High Court. The sentences imposed on former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. Additionally, they are seeking to have the case remanded for further proceedings.
Amjad Pervez, the NAB prosecutor, voiced his disapproval of the trial and sentencing procedures. He acknowledged that he had previously requested the suspension of the sentences.
Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb led the hearing on Thursday, carefully examining the appeals regarding the issued sentences.
Barrister Ali Zafar sought an exemption for his clients, allowing them to avoid appearing in person. In response, Justice Farooq assured him, saying, “Don’t worry, we’ll order it.” Pervez did not raise any objections regarding the request for exemption.
Barrister Zafar argued that the trial process was fundamentally flawed, referring to it as a “jail trial” characterized by expedited proceedings that violated his clients’ rights. He emphasized that the trial abruptly limited the opportunity for cross-examination on January 29 and documented Bushra Bibi’s statement late into the night.
He pointed out that Khan’s statement wasn’t documented until January 31 and contended that the hurried nature of the process had undermined the defense.
In light of Zafar’s arguments, Justice Farooq instructed him to have further discussions with Imran Khan concerning the prosecutor’s remand request. He cautioned, “Should you choose to oppose NAB’s proposal, we will decide based on the merits of the case.”
Justice Aurangzeb mentioned that if we overlook any technical errors, the court has the option to either mandate a retrial or directly tackle the merits of the case.
Zafar replied, emphasizing that the sentencing decision “cannot stand.” The court has decided to postpone the hearing until November 21. During this time, Zafar is required to provide a clear position regarding NAB’s proposal.
The Toshakhana 2.0 case has rejected Imran’s and Bushra Bibi’s requests for acquittal.
On Thursday, a special court located in Islamabad rejected the acquittal requests submitted by Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi concerning the Toshakhana 2.0 case. Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand has announced the verdict, and formal charges are anticipated to be framed on November 18.
Imran Khan was present at the court proceedings, whereas Bushra Bibi was noticeably not in attendance.
The hearing was moved to November 14 because the judge was unavailable on November 12, when the decision was scheduled.
The Toshakhana 2.0 case revolves around accusations that Khan, in his role as the founder of PTI, along with Bushra Bibi. They kept state gifts without meeting the necessary legal requirements.
The court has postponed the indictment until next week, and we expect a final decision regarding the charges soon.
Toshakhana 2.0: A New Era
During her visit to Saudi Arabia from May 7 to May 10, 2021, Bushra Bibi received a Bulgari jewelry set. The jewelry collection featured a ring, a bracelet, a necklace, and a matching pair of earrings.
Investigation into the reference revealed that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi had illegally kept the Bulgari jewelry set.
On May 18, 2021, the Deputy Military Secretary communicated with the Section Officer of Toshakhana. He instructing them to evaluate and officially declare the value of the jewelry set. However, they failed to deposit it as mandated.
According to the reference, Bulgari sold the necklace to the Saudi Arabian franchise Solugent Trading on May 25, 2018, for a total of 300,000 euros, and sold the earrings for 80,000 euros.
Unfortunately, the prices for both the bracelet and the ring are currently unavailable. On May 28, 2021, we estimated the overall worth of the Bulgari jewelry set to be around Rs 75,661,600. We value the necklace at Rs 56,496,000 and the earrings at Rs 15,065,600.
According to Toshakhana’s regulations, a 50 percent payment determines the value of the jewelry set to be Rs 35,765,800. Nonetheless, the NAB reference pointed out that by not accurately valuing the jewelry set. The national Treasury faced a loss amounting to Rs 32,851,300.
The founder of PTI, together with Bushra Bibi, has breached Section 9 and Subsections 3, 4, 6, and 12 of the NAB Ordinance 1999.
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