The Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted bail to Bushra Bibi, wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, in the Toshakhana jewellery case on Wednesday.
The case concerns an expensive Bulgari jewellery set allegedly obtained at a throwaway price from the state’s gift depository, Toshakhana. The jewellery set, valued at Rs71.5 million, was reportedly retained by Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi for just Rs2.9 million, according to the prosecution. Bushra Bibi had filed a petition for post-arrest bail, which was accepted by Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb.
The court granted bail on surety bonds of Rs1 million, with a detailed judgment to follow. During the hearing, Justice Aurangzeb engaged in a discussion with Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) prosecutor Umair Majid Malik, comparing the case to that of Justice Qazi Faez Isa, where the husband was held accountable for the wife’s actions. The FIA argued that as a public office holder, Imran Khan had a responsibility to declare the state gifts before they were purchased.
The judge raised questions about the valuation process of such gifts, stating that proper valuation can only be achieved through auction.
The court also adjourned indictment proceedings against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in the same Toshakhana case. The hearing was held at the Judicial Complex in Islamabad due to security concerns and was postponed until October 26.
