Bushra Bibi Granted Post-Arrest Bail in Latest Toshakhana Case
Bushra Bibi's legal team has already approached the relevant court to file the bail bond, sources
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted bail to Bushra Bibi, wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, on Wednesday in a new case involving an expensive Bulgari jewellery set acquired from the Toshakhana at a significantly reduced price.
On October 4, the IHC informed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of Bushra Bibi’s petition requesting post-arrest bail.
According to the prosecution, the jewellery set, valued at Rs71.5 million, was purchased by the former prime minister and his wife for just Rs2.9 million.
The case involves a jewellery set gifted to Bushra by the Saudi crown prince during Khan’s tenure as prime minister from 2018 to 2022.
The jewellery set—comprising a ring, bracelet, necklace, and earrings—was presented to Bushra during her visit to Saudi Arabia in May 2021, but NAB’s reference alleges that the couple unlawfully retained it.
Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb presided over the hearing, with Bushra Bibi’s lawyer Barrister Salman Safdar and FIA prosecutor Umair Majid Malik in court.
During the hearing, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) prosecutor Umair Majeed noted that the jewellery’s value was determined while the suspects were in possession of it. However, he explained that the true market value of such an item cannot be assessed without it being physically present. He argued that the state was not given a fair chance to properly evaluate the jewellery set and suggested that it should be auctioned to determine its accurate worth.
Majeed emphasized that state gifts remain government property unless legally purchased. According to the law, a gift can only be bought four months after its price has been assessed. He further pointed out that a gift cannot be retained without being purchased.
When Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb inquired what would happen if the Bulgari jewellery set was returned, Majeed explained that while NAB law allows plea bargains, there is no similar provision in this case.
Justice Aurangzeb remarked that a Toshakhana gift’s value can only be accurately determined through an auction. He also questioned why Imran Khan was named as a suspect if it was Bushra Bibi who had not deposited the jewellery set in the Toshakhana. As a public officeholder, the FIA prosecutor argued that Khan was responsible.
The judge compared the case to that of Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, but Majeed noted that there were differences between the two cases.
After hearing the arguments, the court granted bail to Bushra Bibi, who has been imprisoned in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail in connection with the case.
Sources indicate that the former first lady is likely to be released today, marking a significant development following months of incarceration.
Sources revealed that the former first lady is not implicated or detained in any other cases and will be released once the bail bond is submitted and the mandamus is properly issued.
Additionally, the sources stated that Bushra Bibi’s legal team has already approached the relevant court to file the bail bond.
