In a major legal victory, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday granted bail to former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in the Toshakhana 2.0 case. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb presided over the decision, directing Khan’s immediate release from jail upon submission of two surety bonds worth Rs1 million each by separate guarantors.
This case, a central point in Pakistan’s ongoing political drama, has been closely watched as it revolves around allegations of impropriety and misuse of authority during Khan’s tenure as prime minister. The Toshakhana controversy involves accusations that Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, retained valuable state gifts without fulfilling the required legal procedures.
The Toshakhana Controversy
Toshakhana, a department under the Cabinet Division, manages gifts received by public officials from foreign dignitaries and states. Rules mandate that any gifts exceeding a set monetary value must be deposited in the Toshakhana or purchased at a fraction of their market price. Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are accused of retaining gifts — including luxury watches, jewelry, and other high-value items — without following the prescribed rules.
The scandal first surfaced during Khan’s tenure, but it gained momentum after his ouster through a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022. Critics argue that the case symbolizes the misuse of power and lack of transparency in Pakistan’s governance system. Khan, however, has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the case is part of a broader political vendetta by the ruling coalition.
#### Legal Battle Heats Up
Wednesday’s bail approval comes after a string of legal setbacks for Khan. Just last week, a special court in Islamabad rejected the acquittal pleas of Khan and his wife in the Toshakhana 2.0 case. Special Judge Shahrukh Arjumand dismissed their applications, with the formal indictment now scheduled for November 18.
The decision by the special court marked a significant escalation in Khan’s legal troubles, as it paved the way for the trial phase in the case. The PTI chief’s legal team had hoped for a more favorable outcome at the Islamabad High Court, which ultimately granted him bail in a move that will likely reinvigorate his political base.
Lahore High Court Denies Interim Bail
While the Islamabad High Court’s decision provided temporary relief to Khan, the Lahore High Court (LHC) dealt him a blow by rejecting his plea for interim bail in all cases filed against him. During the proceedings, the Punjab Home Department claimed that no cases had been registered against Khan in the province. However, the federal government’s lawyer revealed that the Islamabad Police had lodged 62 cases against the former prime minister.
This legal tug-of-war reflects the deepening divide between Khan and the ruling coalition, with many of his supporters viewing the barrage of cases as an orchestrated attempt to suppress dissent and weaken the PTI.
Political Implications
Khan’s arrest and legal challenges have added another chapter to Pakistan’s turbulent political landscape. Since his removal from office in 2022, Khan has been at loggerheads with the coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. His fiery rhetoric and massive public rallies have kept him in the spotlight, but they have also made him a target for legal and political challenges.
Khan’s supporters argue that the Toshakhana case, along with dozens of other legal proceedings against him, are politically motivated and part of an effort to derail his political career. The PTI chief himself has repeatedly claimed that the cases against him are part of a grand conspiracy involving the ruling elite and elements within the establishment.
The ruling coalition, however, insists that the cases are based on genuine allegations and that Khan must be held accountable for his actions during his time in office. Government officials have framed the Toshakhana case as an example of the need for greater transparency and accountability in public office.
A Glimpse into the Future
Khan’s immediate release following the IHC decision is expected to energize his political base, which has remained loyal despite the mounting legal challenges. PTI leaders and supporters have already begun celebrating the court’s decision, viewing it as a vindication of their leader’s claims of innocence.
However, the relief is likely to be short-lived as Khan faces an uphill battle with dozens of cases still pending against him. With formal charges in the Toshakhana 2.0 case set to be framed in less than a month, the former prime minister’s legal troubles are far from over.
Broader Context of Legal Accountability in Pakistan
The Toshakhana case has also reignited debates about the broader issue of accountability in Pakistan’s political landscape. Critics argue that the selective application of laws and the use of the judicial system as a political tool have undermined the credibility of accountability mechanisms.
Khan’s supporters point to the lack of action against other political leaders accused of corruption, including members of the ruling coalition. This perceived double standard has further polarized the political environment, with each side accusing the other of hypocrisy and selective justice.As the legal battles intensify, Imran Khan’s future hangs in the balance. The Islamabad High Court’s decision to grant bail in the Toshakhana 2.0 case may have provided a temporary reprieve, but the PTI chief still faces significant hurdles in his quest to clear his name and revive his political fortunes.
With public sentiment deeply divided and the judiciary under intense scrutiny, the Toshakhana case has become a litmus test for the fairness and transparency of Pakistan’s legal and political systems. Whether it leads to genuine accountability or further exacerbates the country’s political crisis remains to be seen.