Islamabad (Web Desk): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to respond to the acquittal petitions filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former premier Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in connection with the Toshakhana II case.
The newly sworn-in IHC judge, Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas presided over the proceedings and issued notices to the FIA and adjourned the hearing to January 28.
During the proceedings, Khan’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, requested the court to halt the trial, but Justice Inam denied the request, pointing out that there is no precedent for stopping criminal cases at this stage.
The lawyer also requested for a change in the bench, suggesting that Justice Gul Hassan Aurangzeb, who had previously handled related cases, should hear the acquittal pleas.
However, Justice Inam rejected this, emphasizing that the present case concerned acquittal, which is distinct from the previous bail-related matters.
Safdar also argued that the trial should be postponed due to inconsistent court orders, but Justice Inam responded that charges had already been framed in the trial court, and the process of recording witness statements was underway.
He stated that halting proceedings at this point would be inappropriate, but assured that the court would act quickly on the matter without unnecessary delay.
The FIA has accused the couple of exploiting their official positions to acquire a Bulgari jewelry set, which was allegedly obtained at a much lower price than its market value, leading to significant financial damage to the state.
The set, which was a gift from a foreign leader, included various pieces such as a necklace, earrings, bracelets, and rings.
The FIA claims that Khan and Bushra Bibi used their influence to manipulate the valuation process, allowing them to acquire the jewelry at a discounted rate.
Imran Khan’s legal team, however, has rejected the accusations, insisting that the couple followed the rules laid out in the 2018 Toshakhana policy, paying the required amounts as per official valuations.
This case is part of a series of corruption charges against the former prime minister and his wife, with the couple having been indicted in the past month for the purchase of the jewelry.
Earlier this month, Khan and Bushra Bibi submitted their acquittal petitions in the IHC, challenging the lower court's decision to reject their earlier requests for dismissal of the case.
They argue that the trial court’s ruling was legally flawed and are seeking to have the charges dropped.