Judge grants leniency to Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi over age and gender

WEB DESK: Following the decision by special court at Adiala Jail, the written verdict for Toshakhana-II case has been released, detailing the reasons behind the sentences awarded to Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and his wife Bushra Bibi.

According to the judgment authored by Shahrukh Arjumand, the court took mitigating factors into account while determining the quantum of punishment. The judge noted that Imran Khan was granted leniency due to his age, while Bushra Bibi received similar consideration on the basis of being a woman.

The court imposed a fine of Rs164,256,50 (Rs1 crore, 64 lakh, 25 thousand, 650) on Imran Khan, while Bushra Bibi was handed an identical fine. The judgment clarified that the reduced sentence reflected these mitigating circumstances rather than a dismissal of the seriousness of the offence.

The verdict further stated that both convicts were given the benefit of Section 382-B of the Criminal Procedure Code, meaning the period they have already spent in custody will be counted as part of their sentence. Judge Arjumand explicitly noted that time already served in jail would be adjusted against the total term of imprisonment.

The written ruling follows the earlier announcement of the court’s decision in the Toshakhana-II case, which relates to the alleged unlawful retention and undervaluation of state gifts received during Imran Khan’s tenure as prime minister.

The issuance of the detailed judgment provides formal legal grounds for the sentencing and is expected to form the basis for any appeals the defence may file in higher courts.