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By Wasim Kambo
ISLAMABAD, Dec 20 (APP):A special court on Saturday announced 17 years jail term each to PTI founder Muhammad Imran Khan Niazi and his wife Bushra Bibi in Toshakhana-II case.
Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjamand pronounced the verdict in the case in the presence of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi at Central Jail Adiala.
In written verdict the court said that the prosecution was successful in proving its case and both the accused were found guilty of the crime.
The PTI founder was sentenced to 10 years in prison under Section 409 and 7 years under the Prevention of Corruption Act upon being found guilty.
Bushra Bibi would also face 17 years jail sentence. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 16.425 million on each accused; failure to pay will result in an additional 6 months in prison.
According to the written verdict, considering the age of the founder and the fact that Bushra Bibi is a woman, both were given the minimum punishment. The period of detention of the criminals has also been included in the sentence.
It may be noted here that the court had recorded the statements of a total of 21 witnesses and heard the arguments of the parties.
The court had indicted the two accused last year in December in the said case; however, both denied the charges.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had alleged that the accused had misused their position during their tenure. They were gifted a Bulgarian Jewelry set during an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in May 2021. The accused kept the set in personal custody instead of submitting it to the Toshakhana.
During the investigation, it was proved that the accused, in collusion and malice, charged a very low price for the said jewelry set, resulting in a loss of Rs. 32.851 million to the national exchequer.
After the verdict, both the accused were taken into custody by the FIA Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad and transferred to Adiala Jail to ensure implementation of the court orders.
Muhammad Afzal Khan Niazi, Deputy Director FIA Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad and Shams Gondal, SHO FIA Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad appeared before the special court on behalf of the FIA during this day hearing.
It should be noted that on July 13, 2024, NAB arrested Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in Adiala Jail in the Toshakhana II case.
Both remained in NAB custody for 37 days. After the investigation was completed, NAB filed a reference in the case in the Accountability Court on August 20. Later, the case was shifted to the FIA.