A special court in Rawalpindi rejected the bail applications of PTI Founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. The court, presided over by Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand, heard the case inside Adiala Jail on Monday.
FIA Prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi and his team appeared in court, while Barrister Salman Safdar represented the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi. After hearing detailed arguments from both the prosecution and defense, the court reserved its decision. Following deliberations, the court denied bail to both suspects.
The prosecution has alleged that Imran Khan received a valuable jewellery set from Saudi Arabia worth Rs70 million during his stint as the prime minister and retained it for a much lower price of Rs2.9 million. According to the prosecution, the set -- comprising a necklace, earrings, bracelets, and rings -- was not deposited in the Toshakhana repository, but was instead retained by Khan. The prosecution also argued that the actual price of the gift was verified through the Foreign Office.
The prosecution further alleged that Imran Khan, while serving as prime minister, undervalued the jewellery set at Rs5.8 million and arranged for it to be kept without proper registration. The court was informed that Imran Khan got the price of the jewellery set fixed through his office secretary, Inam Shah, who along with Toshakhana officials confirmed this action.
Barrister Salman Safdar, representing the defense, argued that the case is similar to a previous reference filed in connection with the Toshakhana gifts. He asserted that the allegations, witnesses, and evidence were largely the same, and contended that the case should be dismissed following the Supreme Court's decision to restore NAB amendments.
Despite these arguments, the court dismissed the bail applications and set the date for framing charges against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi for October 2.
On September 26, the court set October 2 as the date for the indictment. The proceedings took place at Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, where Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjamand presided over the hearing.
On Thursday, the defense lawyer, Salman Safdar, completed his arguments regarding the bail applications of the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi.
However, the prosecution was unable to present its arguments and requested additional time. The defense opposed the request, urging the court to make a decision on the bail applications without delay.
Both the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi addressed the court, expressing their desire for swift justice, stating that the prolonged proceedings were unfair.
Despite the defense’s appeal for a same-day decision, the court adjourned the hearing to September 28, granting the prosecution more time to present their case.
