ISLAMABAD – Incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan has petitioned the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to suspend his 17-year prison sentence in the Toshakhana-2 case and grant him bail on urgent medical and humanitarian grounds.
Petition Cites Serious Eye Condition
In a miscellaneous application filed by his legal team, the 73-year-old Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder states he is afflicted with a “serious ailment” of his right eye. The application reveals that a blood clot has severely damaged the eye, leaving him with only 15% vision. It argues the medical complication “is of such gravity and seriousness that the same cannot be treated inside the jail premises.”
The plea was submitted following a recent Supreme Court hearing where the condition was reportedly highlighted. Khan’s counsel, Barrister Salman Safdar and Salman Akram Raja, contend their client has an “exceptionally strong case” for suspension of sentence both on the merits of the case and the newly surfaced medical grounds.
Allegations of Political Victimization
The application frames Khan’s conviction as part of an “ongoing campaign of political victimisation.” It alleges that since his removal from office, Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have faced a “relentless and targeted pattern of legal action” across multiple jurisdictions.
Furthermore, the plea accuses investigative agencies—including the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)—of being “visibly manipulated as a political tool” by Khan’s opponents to pursue “politically motivated cases” and “settle political scores.”
Background of the Toshakhana-2 Case
In December of last year, a special court sentenced Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to 17 years’ imprisonment each in the Toshakhana-2 case. The case involves the alleged under-priced purchase and subsequent sale of luxury state gifts, specifically an expensive Bulgari jewellery set.
- The couple was found guilty under sections 34 and 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code, receiving 10-year sentences each.
- An additional seven-year sentence each was imposed under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
- A combined fine of Rs16.4 million was also levied.
The judgment noted the court considered Khan’s old age and Bushra Bibi being a woman while passing the sentences. The case was investigated by NAB and later transferred to an FIA Anti-Corruption Court.
Separate Plea in Al-Qadir Trust Case
In a related legal move, a separate application has been filed requesting an early hearing for a plea seeking suspension of Khan’s sentence in the high-profile Al-Qadir Trust case, also known as the £190 million scam.
The IHC is yet to schedule hearings for these applications. The outcome is being closely watched amid ongoing political tensions and a sit-in by opposition supporters outside Parliament House, partially driven by concerns over Khan’s health.
