Trip-up for Imran Khan: Judge Dismisses Acquittal Pleas in Toshakhana 2.0 Case

A significant setback has hit former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, as a special judge has dismissed their acquittal pleas in the high-profile Toshakhana 2.0 corruption case. The special judge's decision paves the way for formal charges to be framed against the couple, setting the stage for a potentially tumultuous trial that has far-reaching implications for their political futures.

The Toshakhana case centers on allegations that Khan and his spouse failed to declare and deposit state gifts, including a valuable Bulgari jewelry set worth millions, received during official foreign trips. The court's findings also suggest that the couple undervalued the items by approximately Rs32.8 million, resulting in a loss to the national treasury. The development has raised concerns over the misuse of gifts received during official visits, a matter that is likely to occupy the spotlight in the days to come.

Khan and his wife's acquittal pleas were rejected by the Islamabad High Court earlier this month, leaving them to seek relief in the accountability court. In a recent hearing, their defence counsel requested two weeks to prepare a detailed statement in response to 79 specific questions from the accountability court, citing the need to provide a comprehensive response to each query. The prosecutor, however, opposed this move, but the judge eventually agreed to an adjournment until November 13. Today's development marks the latest chapter in this contentious saga.

With the courtroom set to frame formal charges against Singh, Haroon and his mother on November 18, all eyes are on what this verdict will mean for his prospects of bail. The event has widespread ramifications. But Imran had recently received a shot in the arm from a private appeal by Daniyal Swati, and a public appeal by him from his party in league with other pro-Imran supporters.