Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi challenge Toshakhana-II convictions in IHC

PTI calls verdict politically motivated, seeks annulment of 17-year sentences

ISLAMABAD:

Former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have challenged their convictions in the Toshakhana-II case in the Islamabad High Court.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf lawyer Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry filed appeals on their behalf on Monday. The separate appeals were assigned diary numbers 24560 and 24561.

The petitions argue that the trial was politically motivated and legally flawed.

Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were sentenced on December 20, 2025, to 17 years in prison. They were convicted under Section 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The court also imposed a fine of Rs164.25 million on each of them.

The appeals challenge the verdict on several grounds, including double jeopardy, unlawful bifurcation of a single offence and procedural violations.

Read: Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi sentenced to 17 years in Toshakhana 2.0

They state that the convictions are “unjust, unfair, and appear to be a direct manifestation of Political Victimisation”.

The petitions claim the case was orchestrated by Imran Khan’s political adversaries.

The appeals also challenge the trial court’s reliance on testimony from Syed Inamullah Shah and Sohaib Abbasi. Shah is described as a dismissed employee, while Abbasi is accused of being named an approver without fulfilling legal requirements.

The defence questions Shah’s credibility, citing his dismissal for allegedly drawing double salaries and his claimed political links with Imran Khan’s opponents.

The petitions argue that Imran Khan does not qualify as a “public servant” under Section 21 of the Pakistan Penal Code. They cite a 2024 Supreme Court judgment which held that elected representatives do not fall under the definition of public servants in this context.

Read More: Toshakhana verdict a 'mockery of law'

The appeals also object to Khan and Bushra Bibi being convicted under both the PPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act. They argue this amounts to multiple punishments for the same offence, which is prohibited under the law.

According to the appeals, the Bulgari jewellery set at the centre of the case was retained in line with Toshakhana rules. They say 50% of the assessed value above the Rs30,000 exemption limit was paid, as required.

The defence maintains that no criminal offence was committed and all procedures were lawfully followed.

PTI’s counsel has asked the Islamabad High Court to set aside the Toshakhana-II verdict. The appeals have also requested that the case be fixed for hearing at the earliest possible date.