Media: Pakistani ex-PM Imran Khan, his wife charged in new state gifts scandal

On December 12, Pakistani court has charged former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, with fresh allegations of illegally selling state gifts.

The indictment adds to the growing list of legal cases against Khan, who has been imprisoned since late last year, Caliber.Az reports per Geo TV.

This particular case is part of a broader series of charges linked to the "Toshakhana" (state treasury) scandal, relating to gifts Khan received during his tenure as prime minister from 2018 to 2022.

The charges focus on claims that Khan and Bibi unlawfully acquired and sold gifts worth over 140 million rupees (£501,000). These gifts, which were kept in state custody, included luxury items such as diamond jewellery and seven watches—six of which were Rolexes, including one valued at 85 million rupees (£305,000).

Both Khan and Bibi have denied any wrongdoing. They were granted bail in this case, despite being sentenced to 14 years in prison on related charges just days before a national election earlier this year. This follows a separate three-year sentence handed to Khan in late 2023 in connection with a similar case, although these sentences were suspended after appeals to the high court.

Earlier this month, Khan was also indicted for allegedly inciting attacks against the military, following deadly anti-government protests led by his party last year. Meanwhile, Bibi led a fatal protest march in Islamabad on November 25, further escalating tensions with the government and its military supporters.

Since his ousting from office in 2022, Khan has been embroiled in multiple legal disputes, with he and his supporters claiming the cases are politically motivated and part of an effort to prevent his return to politics at the military’s bidding. The military denies these allegations.

By Aghakazim Guliyev