Pakistan: Imran Khan arrested after court sends him to prison for three years in Toshakhana case
Pakistan police on Saturday arrested PTI chief Imran Khan, shortly after an Islamabad trial court declared him guilty of “corrupt practices” in the Toshakhana case.
He was reportedly arrested from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore.
PTI’s Punjab Chapter confirmed the reports with a tweet as quoted by Dawn News: “Imran Khan is being moved to Kot Lakhpat Jail.”
The court sentenced the former Pakistan PM to three years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs100,000 on him for concealing details of Toshakhana gifts.
Neither Imran Khan nor his lawyers were present in the court at the time of the hearing.
Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar was quoted as saying by Dawn News: "Imran Khan deliberately submitted fake details [of Toshakhana gifts] to the ECP and is found guilty of corrupt practices."
ADSJ Dilawar also directed that a copy of the order should be sent to the Islamabad police chief for the execution of the court orders.
What is Toshakhana Case?
Under the rules governing Toshakhana — a Persian word meaning "treasure house" — government officials can keep gifts if they have a low worth, while they must pay a dramatically reduced fee to the government for extravagant items. reports Geo News.
The Toshakhana has been under a microscope ever since the emergence of the allegations that Khan purchased the gifts he received as prime minister at throwaway rates and sold them off in the open market for staggering profits.
70-year-old Imran Khan was accused of misusing his position as the PM to buy and sell gifts in state possession that were received during visits abroad and worth more than Rs140 million ($635,000) between 2018 to 2022.