In an important development, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in connection with the new Toshakhana case.
The arrest was carried out by anti-graft watchdog team led by Deputy Director Mohsin Haroon at Adiala Jail.
The second Toshakhana investigation is reportedly focused on various expensive watches and jewellery. According to sources, Bushra Bibi has been implicated in the investigation and may face arrest due to her alleged lack of cooperation with the authorities.
The NAB has officially commenced its investigation into the matter to uncover any potential irregularities or misconduct.
In May this year, a new case of Toshakhana misuse emerged against Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. The NAB launched an investigation into the alleged illegal possession and sale of seven high-value watches and 10 other precious gifts, including diamond and gold jewellery.
Also Read: 10 gifts under question in new Toshakhana case against Imran, Bushra
According to the inquiry report, a copy of which is available with Samaa TV, the allegations involve the unauthorized sale of valuable items such as Graff and Rolex watches, as well as diamond and gold jewellery. The report indicates that these gifts were sold without being legally owned or deposited in the Toshakhana, as required by law.
The report specifically mentions a set of expensive Graff watches that were sold without proper retention. It highlights the legal mandate that all gifts must first be reported and deposited in the Toshakhana. Only items valued up to Rs30,000 can be retained for free by the recipients.
The Graff watch buyer was facilitated by the alleged collusion of a private appraiser. The estimator's underestimating the price of the watch by Rs30 million before receiving the email from Toshakhana is proof of the collusion, according to NAB. The watch, valued at Rs100.9 million, saw only 20% of its amount, Rs20.1 million, deposited into the government treasury.
Also Read: Iddat nikah case: Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi acquitted, release orders issued
On April 1, the Islamabad High Court had suspended the sentences of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in a previous Toshakhana reference of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
On January 31, Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir had sentenced the couple to imprisonment of 14 years each. Khan was also disqualified from holding any public office for 10 years. A fine of Rs787 million was also imposed on each, which totalled Rs1.58 billion collectively.
Iddat Nikkah Case Acquittal
Earlier today, an Islamabad court acquitted former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the iddat nikah case and also issued their release orders.
Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka admitted the appeals and pronounced his reserved verdict. With the appeals admitted, the decision of the trial court was set aside.
Civil Judge Qudratullah had sentenced the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi each to seven years in jail and a fine of Rs500,000. Additional and Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka had reserved the judgment on the central appeals earlier in the day.
The judge also issued the release orders for both husband and wife. Main complainant Khawar Maneka's medical board application was also dismissed.
Both applications of the prosecution have been rejected. "If he is not required in any other case, the PTI founder should be released," the court ordered.
Written order
Later, Judge Majoka issued a 28-page written judgement on the central appeals of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi against their sentences in the iddat nikah case.
According to the judgement, complainant Khawar Maneka failed to prove his allegations that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi got married during her iddat after divorce. According to Maneka's lawyer, his client was deprived of his right to recourse.
During cross-examination, Khawar Maneka himself admitted that he had received the news of the marriage of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi on the second day. "Maneka thought of filing a complaint after six years?" the decision questioned.
Hearing today
Earlier in the day, the District and Sessions Court Islamabad had reserved its decision on the central appeals against the sentences of PTI Founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the iddat nikah case.
Also Read: Iddat nikah case: Decision reserved on Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi's central appeals
Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majuka presided over the proceedings on the central appeals against the sentences of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi for getting married during her iddat period after her divorce from her former husband Khawar Maneka. Arguments were presented by Khawar Maneka's lawyer Zahid Asif and Imran Khan's lawyer Salman Akram Raja.
Maneka's lawyer emphasized that during the trial, the lawyers for PTI founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi said they had to present witnesses. "If they want to bring witnesses, then we have no objection. The court can take evidence at any time," said Asif.
He also argued that Mufti Saeed did not confirm that both parties adhered to Hanafi principles.
Salman Akram Raja, representing Imran Khan, argued that his client had got married and was unaware of the iddat, adding that the entire responsibility was being placed on Bushra Bibi.
