Another Verdict: Imran, Bushra sentenced to 14 years in jail

Pakisthan Former premier Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi on Wednesday were sentenced to 14 years in jail in the Toshakhana reference. Last month, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed a fresh reference against the two in an accountability court for retaining a jewelry set received from Saudi crown prince against an undervalued assessment.The verdict comes eight days before the February 8 general elections, which the PTI is contesting amid a state crackdown and without an electoral symbol.

 It also comes just a day after a special court established under the Official Secrets Act sentenced Imran and his foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to 10 years jail for the breach of state secrets Accountability.  

Judge Muhammad Bashir announced the verdict, also disqualifying the former prime minister for 10 years while handing over a fine of Rs1.573 billion to the couple. During that hearing, Imran’s legal team had requested the court to restore the right of cross-examination but was turned down by the Judge. Imran had requested the court to allow his lawyers to cross-question three key witnesses in the case, including an appraiser and the military secretary.