NAB files Toshakhana reference-II against Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday filed Toshakhana reference-II against former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in an accountability court (AC), reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Investigation Officer Mohsin Haroon and Case Officer Waqarul Hassan filed the reference, which is in two volumes, while soon after receiving it, the NAB court registrar started its scrutiny.

After removing objections to it, the case would then be sent to the AC’s administrative judge.

Earlier, the bureau had quizzed the couple in connection with the charges against them in the Adiala Jail for 37 days after taking them into custody on July 13.

Reference details

The case revolves around a Bulgarian jewellery set that was gifted to Bushra Bibi by the Saudi Crown Prince during a visit to Saudi Arabia from May 7 to May 10, 2021.

The jewellery set includes a ring, a bracelet, a necklace, and a pair of earrings.

According to the reference, evidence gathered during the investigation indicates that the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi unlawfully kept the jewellery set.

On May 18, 2021, the Deputy Military Secretary informed the Section Officer of Toshakhana about the estimated value of the set, but the jewellery was not submitted to Toshakhana.

The reference further details that the Bulgarian set including necklace and earrings was sold to a Saudi franchise, Salogent Trading, for 300,000 Euros and 80,000 Euros, respectively, on May 25, 2018. However, no information about the bracelet and ring's prices could be obtained.

As of May 28, 2021, the total estimated value of the jewellery set was approximately PKR 75,661,600. The necklace alone was valued at PKR 56,496,000, while the earrings were worth PKR 15,065,600.

According to Toshakhana rules, by paying 50% of the estimated value, the total payable amount for the jewellery set should have been PKR 35,765,800. However, by undervaluing the jewellery set, a loss of PKR 32,851,300 was inflicted on the national treasury.

The reference claims that the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi, violated several sections (9, 3, 4, 6, and 12) of the NAB Ordinance 1999.

An inquiry was initiated against them following a board meeting and the Chairman NAB's directive on August 1, 2022.

The reference also mentions that the PTI founder abused his powers during his tenure as Prime Minister, keeping 58 out of 108 gifts received during his time in office.

List of witnesses

The list of witnesses in Toshakhana-II reference has surfaced which contains 22 names.

The name of section officer Toshakhana cabinet division Bin Yameen is on the top of the list.

Protocol officer Prime Minister House Talat Mahmood, additional director NAB Headquarters Qaiser Mehmood are among the witnesses.

Former Prime Minister's personal secretary Inamullah Shah also listed in witnesses of Toshakhana case.

Assistant Director Mofa Muhammad Faheem and former military secretary to the Prime Minister, Brigadier Muhammad Ahmed are also among the witnesses.

Director NAB Shafqat Mehmood and investigating officer of the case, Mohammad Mohsin Haroon are also among the witnesses list.

Reporter: Hashir Ahsan