RAWALPINDI, Pakistan — In a major legal blow to the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a special court on Saturday sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years of rigorous imprisonment in the Toshakhana-2 corruption case.

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The verdict, delivered by Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand inside the high-security Adiala Jail, marks the third major conviction for the former premier regarding the illegal retention and sale of state gifts.

The Case of the “Bulgari Jewelry Set”

The prosecution’s case centered on a luxury jewelry set from the world-renowned brand Bulgari, gifted to the former first couple by the Saudi Crown Prince during an official visit in May 2021.

According to court records, the jewelry set was valued at approximately Rs 80 million ($285,000), but was allegedly retained by the couple after paying a “throwaway price” of just Rs 2.9 million. The court ruled that this constituted a criminal breach of trust and a significant loss to the national exchequer.

Breakdown of the Sentence

The 17-year total sentence is divided as follows:

• 10 Years: For “Criminal Breach of Trust” under Section 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

• 7 Years: For “Criminal Misconduct by Public Servants” under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

• Fines: The court also imposed a fine of Rs 16.4 million (approx. $58,000) on each individual. Failure to pay will result in additional jail time.

In his 80-page judgment, Judge Arjumand noted that while the crimes warranted strict punishment, the court took a “lenient view” by awarding 17 years instead of the maximum possible term, citing Imran Khan’s old age and the fact that Bushra Bibi is a female defendant.

Political Reaction and Legal Appeals

Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated since August 2023, categorically rejected the verdict from his jail cell. He described the proceedings as “malicious, fabricated, and politically engineered” to keep him out of the political arena.

His legal team, led by Salman Safdar, announced they would immediately challenge the decision in the Islamabad High Court. “The court announced the sentence without even hearing the final defense arguments,” claimed PTI representative Zulfi Bukhari, calling the trial a “tool for selective prosecution.”

Context of Ongoing Turmoil

This sentencing comes amid heightened international scrutiny. Just days ago, the United Nations called for Khan’s release from solitary confinement, citing concerns over his human rights. Meanwhile, Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, recently raised alarms about their father’s deteriorating health and lack of access to basic facilities.

Despite the mounting convictions, Imran Khan remains Pakistan’s most popular political figure according to recent polls, and his party has called for nationwide protests across Punjab starting this Sunday.