The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has approved bail for Imran Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in the Toshakhana 2 case.
Court Proceedings
Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb granted bail during a hearing where defense lawyer Salman Safdar noted that the statements read in court were recorded by the NAB investigation officer, and the case has since been transferred to the FIA (Federal Investigation Agency).
The FIA prosecutor mentioned that statements under Section 164 are recorded before a magistrate. Justice Aurangzeb pointed out the implications of the law change that moved the case from NAB to FIA, questioning, “What action was taken against the three Customs officers who incorrectly assessed the price?” The FIA prosecutor acknowledged that while the Customs officers were negligent, it did not amount to criminal misconduct, and NAB did not recommend any departmental action against them. This prompted Justice Aurangzeb to quip, “Let’s just say they are very good people,” which elicited laughter in the courtroom.
Bail Complications
Despite the bail approval, Imran Khan remains in Adiala Jail due to pending bail bonds in five other cases related to incidents on May 9. His bail bonds for seven other cases from that date have already been submitted. The court resumed hearings on Khan’s bail application, with Justice Aurangzeb presiding.
During the proceedings, both the FIA prosecutor, Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi, and defense lawyer Barrister Salman Safdar presented their arguments. Justice Aurangzeb instructed the FIA prosecutor to avoid media commentary, emphasizing, “Leave the media alone.”
Case Receipts and Defense Arguments
The court sought clarification about the receipts involved in the case, particularly whether they were issued in the name of Bushra Bibi or Imran Khan. Barrister Safdar confirmed that the receipts cited in the challan were in Bushra Bibi’s name.
The defense raised concerns about a 3.5-year delay in filing the case. Barrister Safdar noted that multiple agencies, including NAB, FIA, and the Election Commission, had taken actions related to the Toshakhana case, raising questions about procedural redundancy. He also mentioned that the Kohsar Police Station had registered a case concerning a fake Toshakhana receipt.
Prosecution’s Position
FIA prosecutor Umair Majeed Malik asserted that the valuation of the jewelry set referenced in the case would be detailed during the prosecution’s presentation. Justice Aurangzeb remarked on the media’s role in sensationalism, commenting, “If the media does not spread sensationalism, how will they conduct their business?” He also dismissed rumors regarding his health, affirming his presence in court.
Status of Co-Accused
The court was informed that Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife and a co-accused, is currently on interim bail and awaiting a decision from Judge Afzal Majoka. Barrister Safdar expressed optimism that a verdict would be announced soon.
On October 24, Bushra Bibi was released from Adiala Jail after the IHC granted her bail in the Toshakhana 2 case, following the submission of bail bonds worth Rs1 million by her guarantor, Malik Tariq Mehmood Noon. The release order was signed by Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand, and her legal team confirmed that she had left for Bani Gala with her security detail.
In a media statement, Gohar Ali Khan, part of her legal team, expressed confidence that Bushra Bibi would not face further arrests, stating, “There is no need to arrest Bushra Bibi in any case.”
