Pakistan: Imran Khan indicted in Toshakhana case
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has been indicted by a court for unlawfully selling gifts from the state depository called "Toshakhana" during his tenure as the prime minister of Pakistan between 2018 and 2022, reported Geo News. Khan was also sent to the National Accountability Bureau's (NAB) remand for eight days in the Al-Qadir Trust case, a day after he was arrested.
Why does this story matter?
The Toshakhana stores special and expensive gifts given to the heads of state, parliamentarians, bureaucrats, and other federal officials. These gifts are often given by other governments, states, and foreign officials. It is alleged that Khan bought expensive gifts that he received as the PM at a discounted price from Toshakhana and sold them to make a profit.
Arrest warrant was issued against Khan in March
Notably, in March, the police reached Khan's Lahore residence with an arrest warrant in the mentioned case but couldn't find him. This came after the PTI chief failed to appear before the court. The warrant was later canceled, and Khan was allowed to go home without indictment amid clashes between the police and his supporters.
Details on Toshakhana case against Khan
In October last year, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) leveled accusations against Khan in the Toshakhana case after he failed to declare the funds he received from selling the state gifts. He was then disqualified for five years from public office. Media reports claimed that Khan earned nearly Rs. 36 million by selling three watches gifted by Gulf nation dignitaries during his tenure.
Khan received 40 gifts during his tenure as PM
In response to the ECP, the cricketer-turned-politician claimed that he earned around Rs. 58 million by selling gifts that he obtained from Toshakhana by paying Rs. 21.56 million. Reportedly, Khan received 31 gifts between June 2018 and June 2019 but paid for only four of them. During July 2019-June 2020, he also received nine gifts and paid Rs. 1.71 million for three.
Violent clashes erupt after Khan's arrest
Meanwhile, following Khan's arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case, violent clashes erupted in Pakistan's Punjab province on Wednesday, leaving more than 130 police personnel injured. According to local media reports, over 25 police vehicles had been set ablaze in the region, while 14 government buildings were either torched or looted. The violence prompted authorities to call the army to keep the situation under control.
