Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were sentenced to 17 years in prison on Wednesday, February 7, 2026, for corruption related to the retention of state gifts, a case known as the Toshakhana case. The conviction stems from accusations that the couple illegally retained and sold gifts received during Khan’s tenure as prime minister from 2018 to 2022.
The Islamabad High Court announced the sentence, finding the couple guilty of retaining state gifts worth over 140 million Pakistani rupees (approximately $470,000). The charges relate to gifts received from foreign dignitaries, which are legally required to be deposited in the Toshakhana – a state repository. Instead, prosecutors alleged that Khan and Bibi acquired the gifts at reduced prices and subsequently sold them for profit.
According to court documents, the prosecution presented evidence indicating that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were instructed not to deposit gifts received from Saudi Arabia into the Toshakhana. This instruction, the court found, constituted a deliberate attempt to conceal the acquisition of valuable items and circumvent established legal procedures. The gifts in question included luxury watches and other items presented by members of the Saudi royal family.
Khan has consistently denied the charges, labeling the case as “fake” and politically motivated. Speaking to reporters prior to the verdict, Khan disputed the testimony presented against him, claiming the proceedings were part of a broader effort to disqualify him from upcoming elections. He maintained that all gifts were properly declared and acquired through legal means.
The conviction comes amidst a period of heightened political tension in Pakistan, with Khan facing a series of legal challenges. He has been arrested multiple times in recent months on various charges, including corruption and inciting violence. His supporters allege that the legal actions against him are orchestrated by the current government to suppress dissent and eliminate him as a political rival.
The Islamabad High Court’s decision is expected to have significant implications for Khan’s political future. The conviction disqualifies him from holding public office, potentially barring him from contesting elections. His legal team has indicated plans to appeal the verdict, arguing that the proceedings were flawed and politically biased.
The Toshakhana case has drawn considerable public attention in Pakistan, raising questions about transparency and accountability in government. Critics argue that the case highlights a culture of corruption and the misuse of state resources by political elites. The government maintains that It’s committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those found guilty of corruption are held accountable.
As of February 14, 2026, neither Imran Khan nor Bushra Bibi have publicly commented on the sentencing. Their legal representatives have stated they are preparing to file an appeal with the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The government has not yet announced any further actions related to the case, and the Toshakhana remains under scrutiny as authorities investigate other potential instances of improper gift retention.
