IHC grants Imran bail in Toshakhana case, Govt denies release

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted Imran Khan post-arrest bail in the Toshakhana case, presided over by Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb. The court ordered Khan to submit bail bonds worth Rs 1 million with two sureties in the same amount, ensuring his release from jail unless other cases prevent it.

The court cautioned Khan to not misuse the bail concession and to attend all hearings unless exempted. If he fails to comply, the prosecution can request his bail to be revoked.

However, this bail does not guarantee his release. Khan faces multiple ongoing cases and has yet to be granted bail in them. The Lahore High Court (LHC) also denied his legal team’s plea for pre-arrest bail in other cases. Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were arrested on July 13 in the Toshakhana case following their acquittal in a different matter.

While Bushra Bibi was granted bail last month and released, Khan remains in custody after his August 5 arrest related to the Toshakhana case. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) alleges that the couple retained a valuable Bulgari jewelry set, gifted by a foreign leader, at a significantly undervalued price, causing financial loss to the state.

In September, Judge Shahrukh Arjumand set the couple’s indictment for October 2, though it was postponed to October 5 following a defense request. The judge also rejected their post-arrest bail petitions earlier. Following the IHC’s approval of Bushra Bibi’s bail, she was released from Adiala Jail on October 24.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has accused the couple of unlawfully keeping gifts, including the Bulgari set, valued at over Rs 142 million, from foreign dignitaries during Imran’s tenure as prime minister. The case has since been transferred to a special court under the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), following amendments to NAB laws upheld by the Supreme Court in September.