Islamabad – Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were sentenced to 14 years in prison on Thursday for corruption related to the alleged misuse of state gifts during his time in office. The conviction, handed down by an Islamabad court, centers on accusations that Khan and Bibi illegally retained and sold gifts received from foreign dignitaries whereas he was prime minister from 2018 to 2022.
The case, known as the Toshakhana reference, revolves around gifts deposited in the state repository, or Toshakhana, which government officials are required to declare. Officials can buy back these gifts at a discounted price. Prosecutors allege Khan failed to properly declare gifts, including watches, jewelry, and other items, and then sold them for personal profit. The court also imposed a substantial fine on the couple.
Khan and Bibi were found guilty of concealing assets and making false declarations. The judgment detailed allegations that they acquired gifts worth over 140 million Pakistani rupees (approximately $500,000) and did not disclose them accurately to authorities. The prosecution presented evidence suggesting the gifts were not purchased at the assessed value and were subsequently sold in the open market.
Khan has consistently denied the charges, labeling the case as politically motivated and a “sham.” Speaking through his legal team, he has maintained that the gifts were acquired legally and that all procedures were followed. He has repeatedly claimed the case is part of a broader effort by the current government to discredit him and prevent his political return. In a statement released via his social media channels, Khan disputed the witness testimony presented during the trial, calling the entire case “fake.”
The conviction comes amid a period of heightened political tension in Pakistan as the country prepares for upcoming elections. Khan, who was ousted from power in a no-confidence vote in 2022, remains a popular figure, and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been actively campaigning despite facing restrictions and arrests of its leaders, and supporters.
The court’s decision is likely to have significant implications for Khan’s eligibility to contest the upcoming elections. Legal experts suggest the conviction could disqualify him from holding public office for a period of time, though PTI officials have indicated they will appeal the verdict.
The Islamabad court also issued a separate ruling in a related case, sentencing Khan and Bibi to seven years in prison for allegedly possessing and concealing the ownership of an eight-acre estate in Bani Gala, Islamabad. This estate was reportedly acquired through illicit means, according to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
As of Thursday evening, Khan remains in custody, having been previously arrested on multiple charges. His legal team has vowed to challenge both convictions in higher courts, arguing that the proceedings were flawed and politically motivated. The PTI has called for nationwide protests against the verdicts, but authorities have imposed restrictions on public gatherings.
The Pakistani government has not yet issued a formal response to the court’s decision beyond acknowledging the verdict. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has not yet commented on the potential impact of the convictions on Khan’s eligibility to participate in the upcoming elections.
