Pakistan’s ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife face a 14-year prison sentence for their involvement in the Toshakhana corruption case, centered around the unauthorized sale of state gifts. The anti-graft court in Islamabad also announced a 10-year disqualification from public office and a fine of ₹787 million each for the couple.
This verdict follows a prior 10-year sentence handed down to Khan and his party’s deputy, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, on Tuesday for disclosing official secrets.
What is the Toshakhana Corruption Case?
The case revolves around Toshakhana rules governing gifts from the state treasury. According to these rules, government officials can retain gifts by paying a specified amount. PMs and Presidents can keep gifts valued under PKR 30,000, and public officials can pay a percentage of the gift’s value to keep it.
In Khan’s case, the controversy arose when it was alleged that the couple either did not deposit the gifts or undervalued them using their authority. The gifts included expensive cufflinks, Rolex watches, a ring, and a valuable pen.
Khan’s Stance and Legal Proceedings
When Khan assumed power in 2018, he resisted disclosing gifts, citing potential impacts on foreign relations. He later admitted to selling four presents but claimed to have bought them by paying a percentage to the government.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) found Khan’s sale of items legal, as he had paid for them. However, they barred him from holding public office for five years due to unethical behavior and false assertions.
Despite the legal outcomes, Khan’s media team criticized the recent verdict, describing it as a predetermined process and vowing to challenge it.
