Imran Khan Sentenced to 17 Years in Toshakhana Case as Court Issues Harsh Verdict

A Pakistan accountability court sentenced Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years in jail. The ruling was issued on Saturday in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. The court said the sentence was linked to the Toshakhana corruption case. The case involves State gifts received from Saudi Arabia in 2021.

The court said both were guilty of criminal breach of trust and corruption. According to Reuters, the judge noted their age and personal status. He said this led to a lighter punishment than the law allowed. The case marks another major setback for the former prime minister.

Imran Khan Sentence Details and Court Findings

The court gave Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 409. The charge is criminal breach of trust under Pakistan’s Penal Code. They also received seven years under corruption laws. Each was fined 10 million rupees.

The judge delivered the ruling inside the high‑security Adiala Jail. The trial included 21 witnesses. The court said evidence showed fraud in handling State gifts. These gifts came from the Saudi Government in 2021.

According to PTI and other major outlets, the court said the couple failed to follow the rules for State gifts. Officials said the gifts were taken and sold. The judgment said this caused loss to the State. The court said both accused held public trust and broke it.

The ruling adds to several cases already facing Imran Khan. He has been in jail for months. His legal team says they will appeal the decision. They claim the trial was rushed and unfair. The government says the case was handled by the book.

Impact of the Toshakhana Sentence on Politics

The new sentence will deepen Pakistan’s political crisis. Imran Khan was already barred from elections. This ruling further blocks his path back to power. Analysts say it will change the political landscape again.

The case also impacts his party. Many leaders are already facing trials. Supporters say the verdict is political. Officials deny this. They say the evidence was clear.

Pakistan faces high inflation and unrest. This ruling may add more tension. Many people see the case as a test of the justice system. The long-term effect will depend on the appeals process.

Info at your fingertips-

Q1: What is the Imran Khan sentence in the Toshakhana case?

Imran Khan received 17 years in jail. Bushra Bibi received the same term. The sentence includes fines and charges under corruption laws.

Q2: Why were Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi convicted?

The court said they misused State gifts. The gifts were from Saudi Arabia. The court ruled this was fraud and breach of trust.

Q3: Where was the verdict announced?

The verdict was announced in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. The judge held the session there for security reasons. Key officials attended the hearing.

Q4: How does the sentence affect Pakistani politics?

The sentence blocks Imran Khan from political activity. His party may struggle more. It may raise tension in the country.

Q5: Will there be an appeal?

Yes, his legal team plans to appeal. They say the trial was unfair. The appeal could take months.