Former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi's lawyers on Monday concluded the cross-examination of the prosecution's star witness and approver in a case related to alleged violation of gift repository rules by the couple during Imran's term as the PM.
Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand conducted the Toshakhana 2 case proceedings in a courtroom inside Adiala Jail. Imran and Bushrawho are detained in the same prison facilitywere present in the courtroom. This was one of the longest trial sessions, running for six and a half hours.
During the hearing, cross-examination of the only approver and star witness in the case was completed. Defense lawyers also cross-examined private appraiser Sohaib Abbasi, the approver witness, as well as former prime minister's personal secretary Inam Shah.
In total, statements of 16 witnesses in the case have been recorded and cross-examined. For the next hearing, the prosecution has summoned two more witnesses, including former prime minister's military secretary Brigadier Muhammad Ahmed and deputy military secretary Colonel Rehan.
During the proceedings, the PTI founder's three sisters and PTI leader Barrister Ali Zafar were also present in the courtroom. The hearing has been adjourned until September 17.
According to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)the prosecution in the caseImran misused his position to acquire a Bulgari jewelry set that the Saudi crown prince presented as a gift during the couple's visit to Saudi Arabia between May 7 and 10, 2021.
The set included a ring, bracelet, necklace, and a pair of earrings. According to the evidence gathered during the investigation, Imran and Bushra unlawfully retained the set.
On May 18, 2021, the deputy military secretary informed the section officer of Toshakhana about the need to assess and declare the price of the gift, but it was not deposited.
Bulgari sold the necklace for 300,000 euros and the earrings for 80,000 euros to a Saudi franchise on May 25, 2018. However, the price of the bracelet and ring could not be determined.
As of May 28, 2021, the total estimated value of the Bulgari jewelry set was approximately Rs75,661,600.
The precious necklace alone was valued at Rs56,496,000, and the earrings at Rs15,065,600. According to Toshakhana rules, 50% of the price would amount to Rs35,765,800, but the jewelry set was undervalued, causing a loss of Rs32,851,300 to the national treasury, claimed the FIA.
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