Imran and Bushra Bibi summoned in NAB Toshakhana reference

ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in connection with the Toshakhana reference on December 23. The Accountability Court has accepted the reference, filed by NAB against the former prime minister, for hearing.

The reference alleges that Imran Khan and his wife obtained 108 items from the Toshakhana and retained 58 with them. The NAB Rawalpindi has named the two as accused in this graft reference. The Accountability Court’s Registrar Office will proceed after scrutinizing the case.

The Toshakhana issue, involving the alleged non-disclosure of gifts retained during Imran Khan’s time as the prime minister, has been a point of contention in national politics. Last month, the Election Commission of Pakistan disqualified Imran Khan for making false statements and incorrect declarations, citing corrupt practices under constitutional sections 167 and 173.

The detailed judgment highlighted discrepancies in Imran Khan’s financial declarations, asserting that he failed to declare the value of state gifts in his bank account. The ECP decision led to his disqualification under Article 63, 1(P), and initiated a criminal proceeding against him.

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In response to the disqualification, NAB launched a probe into the Toshakhana case on March 9. The forthcoming hearing on December 23 marks a critical juncture in the accountability process, shedding light on the alleged non-disclosure of state gifts and furthering transparency in political practices.