Pakistan Toshakhana case: Imran Khan sentenced to 3-year imprisonment, arrested
Pakistan's former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has been sentenced to three years' imprisonment by an Islamabad trial court in the Toshakhana corruption case. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief was also disqualified from politics for five years—meaning he won't be able to contest the upcoming elections. Reportedly, Khan was also arrested immediately. But he holds the right to appeal to higher courts, sources told CNN-News18.
Why does this story matter?
Notably, Pakistan's Toshakhana houses special and expensive gifts given to the heads of state, parliamentarians, bureaucrats, and other federal officials. These gifts are often given by other governments, states, and foreign officials. It is alleged that Khan bought expensive gifts that he received as the Pakistani prime minister (2018-22) at a discounted price from Toshakhana and sold them to make a profit.
PKR 100,000 fine imposed on Khan
The Islamabad District and Sessions Court on Saturday also reportedly imposed a fine of PKR 100,000 on Khan, stating he would be kept in prison for an additional six months if he fails to pay the fine. "Imran Khan deliberately submitted fake details to the Election Commission of Pakistan and is found guilty of corrupt practices," Additional Judge Humayun Dilawar said, reported Dawn.
'Mockery of law': Khan's party
The news of Khan's arrest was reportedly welcomed by former PM Nawaz Sharif's camp in London. It praised the court for delivering "full justice," adding that it was not a "one-sided decided case." Meanwhile, Khan's party said, "It's absolutely shameful and disgusting how a mockery of law is going on just because the wish is to disqualify and jail Imran Khan."
Khan arrested from Lahore amid tight security
Following the judgment, 70-year-old Khan was reportedly apprehended from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore amid heavy security. Traffic was completely restricted on the road, and no gathering of protesters was allowed, Geo News reported. The verdict came a day after the Islamabad High Court asked Khan to reappear before Judge Dilawar. However, Khan's counsel claimed Dilawar was biased and was rushing the case.
Khan was indicted in May
In October 2022, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified Khan from holding public office for five years, months after he was ousted from power. In March, arrest warrants were issued against Khan in the Toshakhana case. However, the warrants were canceled after Khan's supporters clashed with police. In May, he was indicted by Dilawar, who rejected objections regarding the maintainability of the case.
Khan raised discount rate from 20% to 50%
While lawmakers in Pakistan are allowed to buy gifts from the Toshakhana, or state repository, at a discounted price and leaders are allowed to sell them, concealing transactions is illegal. After coming to power, Khan reportedly raised the Toshakhana discount rate from 20% to 50%. Poll records show that Khan bought gifts worth PKR 10.8 crore from the Toshakhana for PKR 2.15 crore.
