Legal Turmoil Deepens for Imran Khan: Toshakhana and £190 Million Cases Under Scrutiny
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- November 15, 2024
- 5:51 pm
- 36
- Current Affairs
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi face mounting legal pressure as they navigate multiple high-stakes cases. The Toshakhana references and the £190 million corruption case have put their legal and political futures in jeopardy. Recent court proceedings have raised questions about procedural fairness, while dismissals of acquittal pleas add to their challenges.
Toshakhana Conviction: Calls for Retrial
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) is reviewing Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s conviction in the Toshakhana case, where they received 14-year prison terms and hefty fines for allegedly retaining state gifts unlawfully. NAB has requested the IHC to annul the trial court’s decision and remand the case for retrial. NAB Special Prosecutor Amjad Pervez argued that key witness statements were excluded from the record and questioned the legal basis of the sentencing.
“The sentences lacked adequate legal foundation,” Pervez stated. He offered a retrial to address the flaws.
Barrister Syed Ali Zafar, representing Khan, argued that the trial was procedurally flawed, citing the denial of cross-examination rights and rushed proceedings. The IHC has given Zafar time to consult his clients on whether to accept NAB’s retrial proposal. If declined, the court will review the appeals strictly on merit.
The next hearing is set for November 21.
Toshakhana-2 Case: Acquittal Pleas Dismissed
In the Toshakhana-2 case, a court at Adiala Jail dismissed the acquittal petitions of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand, who heard the case, also scheduled November 18 for indictment proceedings. This case revolves around accusations of purchasing a Bulgari jewelry set at a throwaway price, further complicating the duo’s legal troubles.
£190 Million Corruption Case: Allegations Intensify
The £190 million corruption case alleges that Khan and others misappropriated funds transferred by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to Pakistan as part of a settlement with a property tycoon. According to NAB, Khan approved the settlement in December 2019 without disclosing its terms and later received valuable land in exchange for facilitating the deal.
At a hearing in Adiala Jail, Khan attended while Bushra Bibi was exempted due to medical reasons. The defense team submitted a written request stating, “The Islamabad High Court orally mentioned that no action would be taken before the acquittal petition was heard.” NAB’s counsel countered, asserting that no such order existed. The court directed both defendants to file responses by November 18.
Mounting Legal Pressure
Imran Khan’s legal troubles don’t end here. Islamabad Police revealed to the IHC that the former Prime Minister is implicated in 62 FIRs and seven Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) cases. A comprehensive report on these cases is expected on November 18.
What’s Next?
As hearings progress, the implications for Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi could be significant. Procedural flaws in the Toshakhana case, coupled with new allegations in the £190 million case, keep the spotlight on their legal battles. These cases not only challenge their personal and political standing but also test public confidence in accountability and the justice system.
The coming weeks will determine whether retrials, appeals, or new indictments will define their legal narrative.
