A recent investigation by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has uncovered additional corruption allegations against Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister of Pakistan.
The probe has revealed that Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, unlawfully retained and sold several high-value gifts received during his tenure, without properly declaring or depositing them into the state gift repository, Toshakhana.
What are Allegations?
The NAB investigation has disclosed that Imran Khan unlawfully received and sold seven watches associated with the state gift repository during his time as the country’s leader.
The fresh case involves accusations of retaining and selling ten high-value gifts without proper declaration to the relevant authorities or depositing them into Toshakhana, as required by law.
According to regulations, any gifts received by the head of state, first lady, or president exceeding PKR 30,000 in value must be registered in the state gift repository, as reported by Geo News.
The inquiry report reveals that Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, also convicted in a previous Toshakhana case, received and retained a watch along with jewelry, including a ring and a necklace, which should have been submitted to the gift depository.
These actions, according to the investigation, violated the regulations governing the management of state gifts.
Furthermore, the report elaborates that the state gifts were acquired or retained at significantly lower prices than their actual market value.
An assessment conducted during the inquiry found discrepancies in the valuation of luxury items, which were appraised by an inexperienced private appraiser lacking the necessary expertise and experience.
This resulted in undervalued assessments that did not reflect the true worth of the items.
One of the most contentious items involved in the case is a Graff watch set. The sale of this watch was described in the report as a “deliberate and coordinated effort” to provide undue benefits to the purchaser, Mohammad Shafiq.
The watch was sold for PKR 5,10,00,000 even before its retention was official, with the entire retention cost of PKR 2,00,00,000 being paid by Shafiq to the Protocol section staff.
The remaining amount was handed over to the assistant protocol section.
Subsequent assessments by the Federal Board of Revenue, the Ministry of Industries, and the Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Traders and Exporters Association indicated that the initial valuation by the private evaluator was significantly lower than the actual market value of the retained gifts.
These findings have prompted further investigations by the NAB, which has been granted authorization to delve deeper into the case.
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi have both received separate call-up notices from the NAB, which they have contested in the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
Bushra Bibi’s appeal is scheduled for June 4, while Khan’s appeal is set to be heard on June 24. Both individuals maintain their innocence and argue that the accusations are politically motivated.
Ongoing Legal Battles
It is important to note that Khan and his spouse had previously been convicted for corrupt practices related to the state gift repository in the Toshakhana case.
However, their sentences were subsequently suspended by the IHC, leaving their appeals against the conviction pending before the court. The new allegations add another layer of complexity to their ongoing legal battles.
The NAB’s findings have sparked a significant public and political reaction, with many calling for a thorough and impartial investigation.
Supporters of Imran Khan argue that the charges are part of a broader political vendetta, while critics insist that accountability must be upheld regardless of political affiliations.
As the investigation progresses, it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold and what impact these new allegations will have on Imran Khan’s political career.
The situation continues to evolve, with both the public and political analysts closely monitoring the developments. The hearings scheduled for June are expected to provide further clarity on the matter and determine the next steps in this high-profile case.
