Two witnesses record testimonies in gifts case

Express Tribune

3 days ago

The Toshakhana is a repository which stores precious gifts given to rulers, parliamentarians, bureaucrats and other officials by heads of other governments and foreign dignitaries. PHOTO: FILE
Two more prosecution witnesses on Tuesday gave their testimonies in a case related to alleged misuse of the official gift repository rules by PTI founder Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi during the former's term as the prime minister.
Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand conducted the hearing of the case in a courtroom inside Rawalpindi's Central Prison popularly known as Adiala Jail. Both Imran and Bushra—who are detained in the prison facility — attended the hearing.
After the testimonies, the counsel for Imran, Arshad Tabriz, cross-examined both the witnesses. Lawyer of Bushra Bibi, Qosain Faisal Mufti, will cross examine the witnesses at the next hearing.
Bushra Bibi had refused to attend the last hearing of the case — also called the Toshakhana II case—despite repeated summonses by the court. The judge had later warned of cancelling her bail in the case.
The court will resume hearing on June 11.
According to the charge-sheet, Imran misused his position to acquire a Bulgari jewelry set that the Saudi crown prince presented as a gift during the couple's visit to Saudi Arabia between May 7 and 10, 2021.
The set included a ring, bracelet, necklace, and a pair of earrings. According to the evidence gathered during the investigation, Imran and Bushra unlawfully retained the set.
On May 18, 2021, the deputy military secretary informed the section officer of Toshakhana about the need to assess and declare the price of the gift, but it was not deposited.
Bulgari sold the necklace for 300,000 euros and the earrings for 80,000 euros to a Saudi franchise on May 25, 2018. However, the price of the bracelet and ring could not be determined.
As of May 28, 2021, the total estimated value of the Bulgari jewelry set was approximately Rs75,661,600. The necklace alone was valued at Rs56,496,000, and the earrings at Rs15,065,600.