Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years in Toshakhana Corruption Case

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 17 years in prison each on Saturday, February 7, in the Toshakhana-2 corruption case. The verdict was announced by a special court at Rawalpindi’s high-security Adiala Jail, where Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023.

Special court judge Shahrukh Arjumand delivered the judgment, awarding 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code for criminal breach of trust, along with an additional seven years under various provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Imran Khan, 73, has been facing multiple legal cases since his removal from office in 2022. His conviction in the Toshakhana case relates to allegations that he and his wife unlawfully retained and benefited from state gifts received during his tenure as prime minister.

The sentencing marks another significant legal setback for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief, whose party has repeatedly alleged political motivation behind the cases filed against him. Khan has consistently denied wrongdoing and maintains that the charges are aimed at sidelining him from Pakistan’s political landscape.

The verdict has drawn strong reactions from PTI supporters, while legal experts suggest the ruling could further complicate Khan’s prospects of political comeback. The case is expected to be challenged in higher courts.