Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been sentenced to further jail terms following a fraud case involving state gifts. They were convicted of breaking Pakistan's rules on gifts after Bibi was given a luxury jewellery set by Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman during a 2021 state visit.
The pair are already serving time in prison for earlier convictions, and the new sentences - 10 years for criminal breach of trust and seven years for criminal misconduct, along with a fine - will reportedly run concurrently with their previous terms. Khan has described the charges as politically motivated, and his lawyer indicated plans to challenge the verdict in higher courts.
The latest verdict comes amidst a series of over 100 cases against Khan, which range from leaking state secrets to selling state gifts. The jewellery case, referred to as Toshakhana 2 in Pakistan, involves a Bulgari jewellery set that Khan is alleged to have undervalued before purchasing it back at a reduced price, subverting Pakistan's rules on state gifts.
In addition to their jail terms, the pair were also fined over 16 million Pakistani rupees. Khan's political journey took a turn when he was ousted in a vote of no confidence in April 2022. Although currently imprisoned, his social media accounts remain active, with posts critical of the current government and military leadership.
The case highlights the ongoing tensions in Pakistan between political factions and the impact of legal proceedings on political careers.
The pair are already serving time in prison for earlier convictions, and the new sentences - 10 years for criminal breach of trust and seven years for criminal misconduct, along with a fine - will reportedly run concurrently with their previous terms. Khan has described the charges as politically motivated, and his lawyer indicated plans to challenge the verdict in higher courts.
The latest verdict comes amidst a series of over 100 cases against Khan, which range from leaking state secrets to selling state gifts. The jewellery case, referred to as Toshakhana 2 in Pakistan, involves a Bulgari jewellery set that Khan is alleged to have undervalued before purchasing it back at a reduced price, subverting Pakistan's rules on state gifts.
In addition to their jail terms, the pair were also fined over 16 million Pakistani rupees. Khan's political journey took a turn when he was ousted in a vote of no confidence in April 2022. Although currently imprisoned, his social media accounts remain active, with posts critical of the current government and military leadership.
The case highlights the ongoing tensions in Pakistan between political factions and the impact of legal proceedings on political careers.
