Pakistan Court Announces Major Verdict in State Gifts Corruption Case

A Pakistani special court has sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison each in the Toshakhana-2 corruption case, marking another major development in the ongoing legal troubles faced by the PTI founder.

The verdict was announced on December 20, 2025, during a hearing held inside Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, where Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023.

What Is the Toshakhana-2 Case?

Case Linked to Undervalued Luxury State Gifts

The Toshakhana-2 case revolves around the alleged under-priced purchase of luxury gifts received during Imran Khan’s tenure as prime minister.

According to prosecutors, the case involves:

• A Bulgari jewellery set gifted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an official visit in May 2021
• Other high-value luxury items, including watches

However, the court was told that the jewellery set was worth around Rs80 million, but was purchased by Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi for only Rs2.9 million, causing a significant loss to the national exchequer.

Court Decision and Legal Charges Explained

Jail Terms, Fines, and Legal Sections Applied

The special court awarded:

• 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment under:
  • Section 34 (common intention)
  • Section 409 (criminal breach of trust) of the Pakistan Penal Code
• 7 additional years under:
  • Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act

Both sentences combine to 17 years for each accused, and will run consecutively after Imran Khan completes his existing 14-year sentence in another corruption case.

The court also imposed a fine of Rs16.4 million on each, with additional jail time if the fines are not paid.

Court Notes “Leniency” in Sentencing

Judge Cites Age and Gender Considerations

In its written order, the court stated that it considered:

• Imran Khan’s age
• Bushra Bibi is a female convict

However, due to these factors, the court said it adopted a lenient approach while determining the punishment. The benefit of Section 382-B of the Criminal Procedure Code was also granted, allowing time already spent in custody to be counted toward the sentence.

PTI Rejects Verdict, Calls It Politically Motivated

Party Claims Trial Was Unfair

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) strongly rejected the court’s decision, calling it unconstitutional, illegal, and politically driven.

PTI leaders alleged that:

• The verdict was announced without proper defence arguments
• Lawyers and family members were not present
• The trial inside the jail lacked transparency

On the other hand, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan and senior PTI leaders described the proceedings as a “kangaroo court” and claimed the verdict was pre-decided.

Government Defends Judgment

Ministers Say Evidence Proved Misuse of Authority

Government officials welcomed the ruling, stating that the case was decided strictly on legal and constitutional grounds.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the couple:

• Violated state gift rules
• Caused financial loss to the country
• Breached public trust

Other ministers emphasized that the luxury gifts were never properly deposited in Toshakhana, which is mandatory under the law.

Reuters Confirms Consecutive Sentence and Appeal Plan

Defence to Challenge Verdict in High Court

According to Reuters, Imran Khan’s legal team plans to appeal the decision in the Islamabad High Court.

Lawyers argued that:

• The defence was not fully heard
• Basic principles of justice were ignored

Despite this, authorities maintain that Imran Khan is receiving all legal rights and prison facilities.

Background: Imran Khan’s Ongoing Legal Challenges

Multiple Cases Since 2022 Removal from Office

Imran Khan has faced dozens of legal cases since his removal from power in 2022, including:

• Corruption
• State secrets
• Anti-terrorism charges

Despite all the things, he is currently serving multiple sentences, while his party remains out of power but continues to mobilize public support.

Conclusion

The Toshakhana-2 verdict is being seen as one of the most significant corruption rulings involving a former Pakistani prime minister. While the government calls it a victory for accountability, PTI views it as political victimisation.

However, with appeals expected and protests announced, the case is likely to remain at the centre of Pakistan’s political and legal debate in the coming months.