A Pakistani high court has suspended the 14-year jail sentence imposed on former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana corruption case. This decision comes after they were convicted by an Islamabad accountability court just before the general elections on January 31.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) made the ruling on Monday, temporarily halting their sentence in the Toshakhana case. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq stated that the appeal against their punishment will be scheduled for hearing after the Eid holidays.

In the Toshakhana corruption case, Imran Khan, a 71-year-old former cricketer turned politician, is accused of unlawfully keeping valuable state gifts received during his tenure as Pakistan's premier. According to the regulations governing Toshakhana, which means "treasure house" in Persian, government officials are permitted to retain gifts by paying a fee, but they must first deposit the gifts. Allegations suggest that Khan and his wife either failed to deposit the gifts or obtained them at a lower price by exploiting their authority.

What is Toshakhana corruption Case?

The Toshakhana corruption case involves allegations against Imran Khan, a former cricketer who transitioned into politics at the age of 71. Khan stands accused of retaining valuable state gifts received during his time as Pakistan's premier. His conviction in this case resulted in a five-year ban from political activities imposed by Pakistan's election commission, just days before a general election in the country.

In the Toshakhana system, which derives its name from the Persian term for "treasure house," government officials are allowed to possess gifts after depositing them and paying a fee. This system falls under the jurisdiction of the Cabinet Division, responsible for managing gifts and expensive items received by public officials. Allegations suggest that Khan and his wife either failed to deposit the gifts or acquired them at a reduced price through abuse of their authority.

Khan has been incarcerated since August of the previous year. Prior to the February 8 elections, he received a 31-year prison sentence across three separate cases, adding to the more than 200 cases he currently faces. Khan has asserted that these legal proceedings are part of a conspiracy to sideline him ahead of the Pakistan elections.

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