Toshakhana-II case: Appeals filed in IHC against convictions of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi

ISLAMABAD: Appeals have been filed in the Islamabad High Court challenging the convictions of the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana-II case.

The appeals were submitted by lawyer Khalid Yousuf Chaudhry on behalf of both convicts. The Islamabad High Court has assigned diary number 24560 to the appeal of the PTI founder, while Bushra Bibi’s appeal has been allotted diary number 24561.

According to the appeals, the trial court relied on the statement of Inamullah Shah, who had already been dismissed from service, arguing that such reliance was unlawful. The petitions also contend that the court based its decision on the statement of a plea bargain witness, which, the appellants argue, could not legally be used as the sole basis for conviction.

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The appellants maintain that the prosecution failed to prove its case against the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi, yet the special court still handed down the verdict. They have requested the high court to declare the Toshakhana-II judgment null and void.

The appeals further argue that multiple punishments cannot be awarded for the same offence and that the Special Central Court lacked the lawful jurisdiction to hear the case. It has also been contended that Sohaib Abbasi was illegally made an approver in the case.

According to the petitions, the Bulgari jewellery set was retained by the former ruling couple in accordance with Toshakhana rules. The appellants have also claimed that the case was registered without proper investigation and that the proceedings amount to political victimisation.

Another ground raised in the appeals is that the petitioner does not fall within the legal definition of a public servant, making the application of certain charges unlawful.

The appellants have also requested the Islamabad High Court to fix the appeals for early hearing.