The legal woes of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan continue to multiply as an accountability court on Wednesday sentenced the former prime minister and his spouse Bushra Bibi to 14 years in prison with rigorous punishment in the Toshakhana reference.
Accountability court’s Judge Muhammad Bashir announced the verdict, also disqualifying the former prime minister for 10 years while handing over a fine of Rs1.57 billion — Rs787 million each — to the couple.
During the previous hearing, which was also held at Adiala jail, the court recorded Bushra Bibi’s statement under Section 342.
Khan told the court that his wife had nothing to do with the case and was being humiliated by being forcibly dragged into it.
At the outset of the hearing today, Judge Bashir asked Khan if he recorded his statement. To this, the former premier said that he would submit his statement once his lawyers came.
“I have been deceived as I was only called to mark my attendance for the hearing,” said the PTI founder.
Following the verdict, Bushra Bibi, who was not present in court when the sentence was announced, arrived at the Adiala jail and surrendered before the authorities.
NAB had filed the reference against the duo over the graff jewellery set which included necklaces, earrings, bracelets and a ring worth Rs1.57 billion.
Khan and Bushra had only paid Rs9 million and had fixed the price of the jewellery set through a private firm.
Decision to be challenged in high court: Gohar
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan termed the verdict “cruel”, saying that the accountability court has never given such a decision in the past.
“[Other politicians] are being punished to please a leader,” he said, adding that the court did not allow the cross-examination.
Barrister Gohar said that they will file an appeal in the high court against the verdict. He added that Bushra Bibi had nothing to do with the case as she did not take any gifts personally.
“Bushra Bibi has been sentenced to pressurise PTI founder and our right to defend has also been abrogated,” he said, hoping justice will be served by the superior courts.
Gohar further asked the PTI supporters to remain calm, saying that the punishment would end. “We will participate in the elections,” he added.
