1.Imran khan
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted bail to former Prime Minister Imran Khan in the well-known Toshakhana 2.0 case in a historic ruling on November 22, 2024. The bail plea was granted by Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb following lengthy arguments from the defense and the prosecution. The issue revolves around allegations of monetary mismanagement and misuse of state resources, with a particular emphasis on opulent presents obtained while Khan was Pakistan’s premier.
2. History Toshakhana case
A government institution known as the Toshakhana, or treasure house, is where state officials store presents from foreign guests. Although these presents are normally regarded as state property, some laws let recipients to keep them in exchange for a fixed proportion of their worth.
Basic Toshakhana Regulations:
a. Method of Valuation:
The appropriate authorities evaluate gifts based on their market value.
Acquisition Costs: Half of the appraised value must be paid by officials in order to purchase presents.
b. requirement for a declaration:
All presents, no matter how much they are worth, have to be reported and recorded.
Although accusations of poor management and violations of Toshakhana regulations have dogged several administrations over the years, the case against Imran Khan is notable for its scope and political ramifications.
3. Imran Khan’s alleged involvement
a.Not Declaring Presents:
According to reports, a pricey Bulgari jewelry set valued at Rs75.6 million was not placed in Toshakhana.
b. Underestimation
The national treasury allegedly lost Rs32.8 million as a result of the couple’s alleged undervaluation of the jewelry.
Violation of Toshakhana Policy: According to investigations, the jewelry was unlawfully kept, going against accepted practices.
4. Events in Timeline
a.May 2021:
During a trip to Saudi Arabia, Bushra Bibi was presented with a set of Bulgari jewelry, which included a ring, bracelet, earrings, and necklace.
Authorities in Toshakhana were directed to determine the jewelry’s worth, but it was never deposited officially.
b.July 2024:
According to a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) investigation, Khan and Bushra Bibi stole assets from Toshakhana.
c.September 2024:
The case turned over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) after the NAB Ordinance amended.
5. The Court’s ruling
Imran Khan given bail by Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, but only after providing Rs. 1 million in surety bonds. The court stressed:
a.Compliance in the Future:
Khan required to assist with ongoing inquiries and court cases.
b.Openness:
The decision highlighted the necessity for public access to Toshakhana records and chastised prior governments for keeping them secret.
c. Possible Revocation:
The judge issued a warning that if restrictions broken, bail withdrawn.
6. Political and Public Responses
a.Supporters’ Perspective
Supporters of the PTI celebrated the ruling as a win for justice. Rallies and protests organized to commemorate Khan’s possible release.
b.The Viewpoint of Critics
Leaders of the opposition voiced distrust and questioned the impartiality of the judiciary. According to certain conjectures, the decision is in line with larger political plans to placate PTI before talks begin.
c.Media Attention
Discussions about the case’s legal, political, and ethical aspects have taken center stage in headlines.
7. Toshakhana Policy’s Future
The Toshakhana controversy emphasizes how urgently reform required. Important suggestions consist of:
a.Openness:
Toshakhana records made public helps discourage abuse.
b.Independent Oversight:
The appraisal and procurement of gifts ought supervised by an independent entity.
c.Frequent Audits:
Regular audits can guarantee adherence to set guidelines.
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