Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted bail to PTI founder Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi in an expensive Bulgari jewelry set case allegedly obtained from the Toshakhana at a significantly discounted price.
On October 4, the IHC sent a note to the FIA communicating that Bushra had filed a plea for post-arrest bail. The prosecution alleged that Imran Khan and wife had taken away jewellery worth Rs71.5 million by giving them just Rs2.9 million.
Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb conducted the bail hearing, presented before him were Barrister Salman Safdar, counsel for Bushra and FIA prosecutor Umair Majid Malik. Justice Aurangzeb discussed matters with the FIA prosecutor and even showed interest in Azerbaijan’s museum where state gifts received by the world’s presidents are exhibited.
Justice Aurangzeb during the hearing sought an explanation from the FIA prosecutor on the basis of this case, raising the question, “If Bushra Bibi did not present the gifts, then why was the PTI founder (Imran Khan) made an accused?” The prosecutor responded that Imran was a public office holder.
Drawing a comparison with the case of Justice Qazi Faez Isa, the judge argued that in the former scenario, he owed wrongdoing to his wife. However, the prosecutor justified that it was a special case of Bushra and was different from Justice Isa’s case.
Malik clarified that state presents have to be declared and are state property until lawfully bought. He underlined that “state-owned presents cannot be retained before purchase,” and again and again, it emphasized the importance of following the proper procedure for getting presents.
Justice Aurangzeb said a price could be ascertained on Toshakhana gifts through an auction process because later valuations could be suspect.
Bushra Bibi was released on surety bonds of Rs1 million. A brief written judgment said that a detailed verdict would follow.