Pakistan: Accountability court defers indictment of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi in Toshakhana case till Jan 6
Jan 05, 2024
Islamabad [Pakistan], January 5 : An accountability court in Rawalpindi on Thursday deferred the indictment of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana reference till January 6, Pakistan-based Geo News reported.
According to details, accountability court Judge Muhammad Bashir put off framing charges against PTI founder Imran Khan Bushra Bibi as the National Accountability Bureau's (NAB) prosecutor, Amjad Pervaiz, requested more time to advance their arguments in the case.
A five-member special prosecution team of the anti-grant watchdog is pursuing the case against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, according to Geo News reported.
Meanwhile, the accountability court judge set January 6 as a new date to frame charges against Khan and Bushra Bibi in the case. The court resumed hearing the case in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail where the PTI founder is currently incarcerated.
Under the gifts governing Toshakhana, government officials can keep gifts if they have a low worth while they pay a reduced price to the government for extravagant items.
The Toshakhana has been under close watch ever since the emergence of the allegations that Imran Khan bought the gifts he received as Pakistan's PM at throwaway prices and sold them off in the open market for staggering profits.
PTI founder is accused of misusing his position as Pakistan's PM from 2018 to 2022 to purchase and sell gifts in state possession that were received during visits abroad and were worth over Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 140 million, Geo News reported.
The government officials said the gifts included watches given by a royal family, who have previously alleged that Khan's aides sold them in Dubai.
The gifts included seven wristwatches, including six Rolex watches, and the most expensive, a "Master Graff limited edition" worth Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 85 million (USD 385,000). The order issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) stated that Imran Khan stood disqualified under Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution.
On December 9, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan's wife in the Toshakhana case, Pakistan-based ARY News reported.
According to details, the NAB Rawalpindi has issued notice to Bushra Bibi. The NAB had summoned her on December 11 at 11 am (local time) in connection with the Toshakhana case, according to ARY News report. NAB has also asked Bushra Bibi to bring the gold necklace, diamond ring and bracelet with her in connection with the Toshakhana case.
