NAB starts fresh probe against Imran, Bushra over Toshakhana gifts misuse

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has claimed that a new case of Toshakhana misuse has been emerged against PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. NAB has launched an investigation into the alleged illegal possession and sale of seven high-price watches and 10 other precious gifts, including diamond and gold jewellery sets.

According to the inquiry report, the allegations involve the unauthorized sale of valuable items such as Graff and Rolex watches, as well as diamond and gold jewellery sets. The report further claimed that these gifts were sold without being legally owned or deposited in the Toshakhana, as required by law.

The report alleges that a set of expensive Graff watches was sold without proper retention while the legal mandate says all gifts must first be reported and deposited in the Toshakhana. Only items valued up to Rs30,000 can be retained for free by the recipients.

NAB said that the Graff watch buyer was facilitated by the alleged collusion of a private appraiser. According to the report, the estimator's underestimating the price of the watch by Rs30 million before receiving the email from Toshakhana was proof of the collusion. The watch, valued at Rs100.9 million, saw only 20% of its amount, Rs20.1 million, deposited into the government treasury.

NAB's investigation aims at uncovering the extent of the misuse of Toshakhana regulations and the alleged underreporting and sale of these valuable gifts. On April 1, the Islamabad High Court had suspended the sentences of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in a previous Toshakhana reference of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

On January 31, 2024, Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir had sentenced PTI founder and his wife the imprisonment of 14 years each.

Moreover, former PM was also disqualified from holding any public office for 10 years. A fine of Rs787 million was also imposed on each.