Pakistani Court Grants Bail to Former Prime Minister Imran Khan in Alleged Fraud Case

A Pakistani court has granted bail to former Prime Minister Imran Khan in connection with an alleged fraud case involving the illegal sale of state gifts. This development was confirmed by Khan’s political party on Wednesday, as reported by The Straitstimes.

The 71-year-old Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023, though his release remains uncertain due to several ongoing cases, including accusations of inciting violence against the state. According to Khan’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, if the formal bail order is issued, Khan’s family and supporters will work toward securing his release. Safdar also stated that, to his knowledge, Khan has either been granted bail or acquitted in all other related cases.

The bail was granted by the Islamabad High Court in the Toshakhana (state treasury) case, which centers on allegations that Khan and his wife illegally sold gifts worth over 140 million rupees ($501,000) that he received while in office between 2018 and 2022. The items in question allegedly included diamond jewelry and seven luxury watches, including a Rolex valued at 85 million rupees ($305,000).

Earlier, Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were handed 14-year sentences in relation to these charges, but these were later suspended on appeal. Khan has consistently denied the allegations, claiming that the cases are politically motivated. Bushra Bibi, who was also detained, was released last month after spending several months in the same prison as Khan.