Pakistan’s former PM Imran Khan arrested in Toshakhana case; here’s what you should know.

Pakistan Ex-PM Imran Khan Arrested and Sentenced to Three Years in Jail in Toshakhana Case

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has been arrested and sentenced to three years in prison in a corruption case. Khan is accused of profiting from selling expensive state gifts while he was in power. Additional Judge Humayun Dilawar of the Islamabad-based district and sessions judge imposed a PKR 1,00,000 fine on Khan and stated that he would serve an additional six months in jail if he failed to pay the fine. Khan was arrested from his residence in Lahore by Islamabad police in coordination with the Punjab police. He will be moved to Kot Lakhpat Jail.

Toshakhana Case: All You Need to Know

• The Toshakhana is a department under the Cabinet Division that stores gifts given to rulers and government officials by heads of other governments and foreign dignitaries.
• Under Pakistani law, more expensive gifts must be kept in the Toshakhana, while PMs or presidents can retain gifts that cost less than PKR 30,000 for themselves.
• Khan allegedly bought and sold some of the gifts, including a precious watch, for profit, and never deposited some gifts in the treasury.
• In August 2022, the PML-N filed a case against Khan for not disclosing information on the gifts presented to Toshakhana and the proceeds from their sale.

Khan’s arrest comes as Pakistan prepares for an upcoming election. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has proposed dissolving parliament on August 9, paving the way for a general election by November. Khan’s previous arrest in May had sparked political turmoil and clashes between his supporters and the police.

(With inputs from agencies)