Two witnesses testify in Toshakhana-II trial

The Toshakhana-II case against the PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, reached a decisive stage, with the prosecution completing testimonies of its last two witnesses during Monday's hearing at Adiala Jail.

The case centres on an expensive set of jewellery - a necklace, earrings, bracelets, and rings - gifted by the Saudi royal family to former prime minister Imran Khan. According to investigators, the set was assessed at an artificially low price, enabling Khan and his wife to purchase it at a fraction of its actual worth, thereby causing a considerable loss to the national exchequer.

Special Judge Central Shah Rukh Arjumand recorded statements of NAB officer Mohsin Haroon and FIA Assistant Director Shahid Pervaiz. With their depositions, the prosecution evidence formally concluded.

So far, 20 witnesses have testified, and cross-examination has been completed on 18. Defence lawyers will cross-examine the final two witnesses on September 24 (tomorrow).

Imran and Bibi were both produced before court, while Imran's three sisters and Bibi's daughter, Mehrunisa, were present in the courtroom. Senators Mishal Yousafzai and Ali Zafar also attended the hearing.

On behalf of the defence, lawyers Arshad Tabraiz and Zaheer Abbas Chaudhry appeared, while FIA Special Public Prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi and Umair Majeed Malik represented the prosecution.

The case has seen multiple legal turns. In July 2023, an Islamabad court barred the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) from pursuing the Toshakhana reference against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, transferring the matter to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).