Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, was released from Adiala Jail on October 24, 2024, following nearly nine months in custody. Her release comes after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted her bail in the Toshakhana case, where she had been convicted alongside her husband for allegedly retaining and selling state gifts unlawfully. The IHC approved her bail upon the submission of a surety bond of Rs 1 million, marking a significant development in her ongoing legal battle.
The Toshakhana case revolves around allegations that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi failed to follow government protocols when receiving gifts from foreign dignitaries during Khan’s term as prime minister from 2018 to 2022. These gifts, which included valuable items like jewelry sets, were supposed to be cataloged and either deposited in the Toshakhana or purchased at their market value. However, the prosecution claimed that the former first couple retained several of these gifts without properly declaring them, leading to their conviction earlier this year.
Bushra Bibi’s imprisonment and legal troubles began in January 2024 when both she and Imran Khan were sentenced to 14 years in prison on charges related to the Toshakhana case. The couple’s conviction was based on allegations that they had illegally retained and sold these state gifts, including a luxurious jewelry set gifted to Bushra Bibi by the Saudi crown prince. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) claimed that the jewelry set, valued at over Rs 70 million, was sold without proper authorization, causing a financial loss to the state treasury
On October 24, after months of detention, Bushra Bibi’s release was expedited once the court approved her bail plea. Typically, the process of issuing a release order, known as a “robkar,” takes around two hours, but in her case, she was freed in just 20 minutes. Upon her release, Bushra Bibi quickly left the prison without making any public statements, while PTI workers and supporters who had gathered outside celebrated by showering her car with flowers
Although Bushra Bibi’s release marks a temporary relief from her legal woes, the case is far from over. The Toshakhana case remains active, and both she and Imran Khan are expected to continue facing legal proceedings. The prosecution has accused the couple of causing a significant financial loss to the state by undervaluing the gifts they retained. In particular, the jewelry set at the heart of the case was reportedly sold for far less than its market value, which led to a loss of approximately Rs 30 million to the national exchequer
Despite the temporary respite granted by her release, Bushra Bibi’s legal battles are ongoing, with further court appearances likely to follow. The case has drawn considerable attention in Pakistan, not only because of the high-profile nature of the individuals involved but also due to the broader implications for governance and accountability in the country. The Toshakhana case highlights the misuse of power by state officials and raises questions about the handling of state gifts, which is a long-standing issue in Pakistan’s political landscape
For now, the focus remains on the legal journey ahead for both Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan. While PTI supporters celebrated her release as a victory, the continued scrutiny of their actions during Khan’s premiership ensures that the case will remain a key issue in Pakistan’s political and legal arenas.
