IHC grants bail to Imran Khan in new Toshakhana case, issues release orders

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday granted bail to former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case two, ordering his release against two surety bonds of Rs1 million each. 

IHC Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, presiding over the case, directed Imran Khan to appear before the trial court post-release cautioning that failure to cooperate during the trial could lead to the revocation of his bail. 

The court proceedings included arguments from Khan’s lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, and FIA prosecutor Umair Majeed Malik.

During the session, FIA prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi expressed concerns about media speculation regarding the case’s outcome, to which Justice Aurangzeb remarked, “Ignore the media; they thrive on sensationalism.” 

Safdar argued that the case was delayed by more than three-and-a-half years and maintained that the Toshakhana policy was followed in acquiring gifts.

He contended that the valuation of the gifts was done by Customs officials, and the corresponding amounts were duly paid. 

Addressing accusations of coercion, Safdar denied claims that Khan or his wife, Bushra Bibi, had issued threats to influence officials. He said that no evidence supported such allegations. 

Justice Aurangzeb also questioned the secrecy maintained by the previous PTI government regarding Toshakhana details, noting, “The previous government deliberately withheld this information.” 

The Toshakhana case, which alleges the misappropriation of state gifts, has seen multiple agencies, including NAB, FIA, and the police, involved in investigations.

Bushra Bibi, also named in related cases, is currently on interim bail. 

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Meanwhile, the trial court is expected to take up further allegations in the coming weeks. 

Courtroom Debate 

During the hearing, PTI counsel Barrister Salman Safdar concluded his arguments, stating that he would submit certain documents in writing. This was followed by arguments from FIA prosecutor Umair Majeed Malik. 

Justice Aurangzeb asked the FIA investigation officer whether he had reviewed witness statements.

The officer responded that notices had been sent to witnesses on September 18, and the statements were read on September 19, corroborating earlier testimony provided to NAB. 

The FIA prosecutor alleged that a Bulgari jewelry set, a state gift, had not been deposited in the Toshakhana and was undervalued, causing financial harm to the state. He claimed that both Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, benefited from the act. 

Justice Aurangzeb pushed back on the prosecutor’s assertion, questioning how Khan had personally gained.

When the prosecutor suggested that a wife’s benefit translates to the husband’s benefit, the judge retorted, “Oh, please! My wife’s belongings are not mine. What world are we living in?” 

The court took a recess during the proceedings, with Justice Aurangzeb stating that the case would resume after the division bench hearing. Upon reconvening, the court announced its decision to grant bail to Khan, emphasizing compliance with trial court appearances. 

Background 

The case stems from allegations that state gifts were misappropriated by Imran Khan and his wife. On September 12, 2024, the FIA had formed a three-member Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the matter after the Supreme Court’s verdict on NAB amendments resulted in the transfer of the Toshakhana 2 reference from NAB to the FIA. 

Previously, the court had ordered the transfer of the reference record to a special central judge.

In July, NAB had arrested Khan and his wife in a separate Toshakhana reference, accusing them of unlawfully retaining and selling 10 high-value gifts, including seven luxury watches. 

This case marks a continuation of legal battles surrounding the alleged misuse of Toshakhana assets, placing Khan and his family under significant judicial scrutiny.