Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan Sentenced To 3-Year Jail Term In Toshakhana Corruption Case

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to three years in prison in the Toshakhana corruption case. An Islamabad trial court found Imran Khan, the Chairman of PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf), guilty of engaging in "corrupt practices" in the Toshakhana case. Additionally, the court levied a fine of Rs100,000 against Imran Khan. Shortly after the court order, Khan was arrested in Lahore amid the heavy presence of security forces and was moved to Kot Lakhpat Jail. He has also been disqualified from politics for a period of five years due to the conviction.

The court also said that Khan would have to serve another six months in jail if he failed to pay the fine. The verdict came a day after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) set aside a session court's verdict to uphold the maintainability of the Toshakhana case for criminal proceedings against Khan. The PTI chief has been found guilty of selling gifts he received while serving as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. 

The case pertains to a criminal complaint filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on May 10, alleging that Imran Khan concealed information about gifts received in Toshakhana. During the recent hearing, Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar determined that the charges against the former Prime Minister were substantiated. 

Imran Khan deliberately submitted fake details to the Election Commission of Pakistan and is found guilty of corrupt practices,” said the judge and sent Khan to jail for three years. Imran Khan was handed over the jail term under Section 174 of the Election Act. The Election Commission of Pakistan had disqualified Khan on October 21, 2022, for making “false statements and incorrect declaration” in relation to the case.

 

The Toshakhana issue became a major sticking point in national politics after the Election Commission of Pakistan disqualified the PTI chief for making “false statements and incorrect declaration”. The reference, which alleges that Imran failed to share details of the gifts he retained from the Toshaskhana (during his time as the prime minister) was filed by lawmakers from the ruling coalition last year.

The Toshakhana is a department under the Cabinet Division that stores gifts given to rulers and government officials by heads of other governments and foreign dignitaries. (With agency inputs)