On June 7, the Lahore High Court granted former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan bail in a fraud and forgery case concerning the sale of Toshakhana gifts. Justice Amjad Rafique ruled in response to the former PM’s plea seeking precautionary bail.
Imran Khan has encountered many legal challenges due to his gift retention. In the past, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified him in connection with this matter. The former Pakistan PM was indicted in the case last month. The Toshakhana is a department under the jurisdiction of the Cabinet Division, which is in charge of storing presents and other valuable goods delivered to Pakistani governmental figures.
Earlier, on Wednesday, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman petitioned the LHC, claiming he was “falsely implicated” in the case with “malafide intention and ulterior motive”, according to Dawn. The PTI chairman came to the court in a car, surrounded by security officers with bulletproof shields.
Furthermore, the Lahore HC forbade the police from arresting Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, in any case until June 13, demanding a report signed by the Islamabad police chief listing all complaints filed against her. The orders were granted in response to a petition filed by Bushra Bibi demanding information on all charges brought against her. The court had already requested a report on the subject from the Punjab police.
The former PM and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were charged in a fraud case at Islamabad’s Kohsar police station for creating “fake receipts” in selling official items. The lawsuit was filed against Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, Shahzad Akbar, Zulfi Bukhari, and Farah Gogi under the charges of fraudulent receipt and cheating.
According to the FIR, the accused provided fake receipts for buying and selling Toshakhana gifts and illegally utilised his forged signature for the claimed transaction. Further, in connection with the Toshakhana Case, court proceedings against Khan occurred as he allegedly misled officials about the gifts he received from foreign dignitaries during his term as PM.
Imran Khan sold Toshakhana Gifts
Notably, in 2022, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused Imran Khan of selling gifts received during foreign visits, reported local media. “I can confirm you that Imran Khan took gifts worth Rs 140 million from Toshakhana (state depository) and sold them in Dubai,” Sharif said, adding that the valuable gifts included diamond jewellery, bracelets and watches.
Sharif’s remarks came in response to a question regarding a petition filed in the Islamabad High Court seeking details of the Toshakhana. The then PM Imran Khan had refused to reveal the details of the depository of the state gifts, citing provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
However, the former federal minister and PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry refuted Sharif’s claims, saying he is “throwing dirt on Imran Khan.” It was reported that Fawad Chaudhry advised the Pakistani PM to avoid superficial gossip and focus on national issues.
Notably, according to Pakistan’s law, gifts received by the head of the state from another state or country must be deposited in the Toshakhana. If the head of the state wishes to keep the gift, the payment equal to its value, which is decided through an auction, has to be paid to the state exchequer.
Meanwhile, ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan had appealed to overseas Pakistanis to donate money to PTI to topple the “foreign-backed” government headed by Shehbaz Sharif. Imran Khan alleged that with the help of the US, a corrupt government had overtaken Pakistan. Therefore, he wants the country to hold fresh elections where Pakistani citizens can decide their future.
[with inputs from ANI]
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