Toshakhana case: Pakistan court suspends sentence of PTI founder Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi
Toshakhana case: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) suspends the sentence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, in the Toshakhana case.
Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi were sentenced to 10 years in jail in the cipher case by a special court, while in the Toshakhana reference, Imran Khan and his spouse received 14 years jail term each.
Justice Aamir Farooq of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) presided over the case and announced that the appeal against the verdict would be scheduled for a hearing after the Eid holidays.
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In February, the IHC accepted the appeals filed by Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, challenging their convictions in the Toshakhana cases, as per media report. The court not only sentenced Khan to rigorous imprisonment but also barred him from holding any public office for the next 10 years.
Additionally, the couple was fined PKR 1.573 billion as part of the judgment.
In her appeal, Bushra Bibi argued that her conviction was influenced by the "power corridors," as per media sources
What is Toshaskhana case?
The Toshakhana case revolves around allegations that the former Pakistan Prime Minister alleging misusing and misappropriation of state funds and gifts received by government officials.
The term "Toshakhana" translates to "treasure house" in Urdu, and in this context, it refers to a facility where gifts and valuables received by government officials on official trips or diplomatic visits are stored.
The Toshakhana is a repository where presents from foreign officials to government officials are kept. The case includes claims of selling these gifts and not disclosing the proceeds.
The case was registered by lawmakers from the ruling party and is based on a criminal complaint filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), as reported by media reports.
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The Toshakhana case became a major point of contention in national politics after the Election Commission of Pakistan disqualified the PTI chief for making "false statements and incorrect declarations" last year.
(With inputs from agencies)