Imran Khan gets bail in new Toshakhana case ahead of PTI Nov 24 protest
1. "To my knowledge, there isn’t any case left, in which Imran has to secure bail," says lawyer Salman Safdar
**RAWALPINDI:** In a significant development ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) planned November 24 protest, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday granted bail to PTI founder Imran Khan in the Toshakhana 2.0 case.
Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb of the IHC approved the bail plea, requiring two surety bonds of Rs1 million each to be submitted by separate guarantors. With this decision, Khan is no longer wanted in any other case within Islamabad's jurisdiction.
The court directed the former prime minister to appear before the trial court as part of the bail conditions, warning that failure to cooperate could lead to cancellation of the bail.
### **Court Proceedings**
During the hearing, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) prosecutor expressed concerns over media reports suggesting that Khan's bail had already been approved. Justice Aurangzeb urged the prosecutor to disregard media narratives, emphasizing the court's impartiality.
The judge raised questions about the valuation of a jewelry set at the center of the case, asking how its worth had been determined. Barrister Salman Safdar, representing Khan, argued that the prosecution was responsible for proving their claims and highlighted discrepancies in the receipts, which were issued in the name of Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, not Khan himself.
The prosecution relied on testimonies from key witnesses, including Sohaib Abbasi, who had turned approver in the case. Safdar countered that Abbasi alleged threats from Khan but denied any direct interaction with him or his wife.
The court inquired whether customs officers involved in valuing the jewelry reported any intimidation. The defense clarified that no such claims were made. The FIA prosecutor alleged the jewelry was undervalued, causing financial harm to the state, but Justice Aurangzeb dismissed assumptions tying Bushra Bibi’s benefits to Khan.
Safdar defended his client, stating that all gifts were acquired under the Toshakhana policy of 2018 and their valuation was conducted legally. He criticized the prosecution for procedural lapses and accused the FIA of filing the case hastily, overlooking essential details.
### **Reactions**
The verdict prompted widespread reactions. Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, spokesperson for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, welcomed the decision, claiming all cases against Khan were politically motivated. "Imran will soon be free and lead the Haqeeqi Azadi (real freedom) movement," he added.
Imran Khan's counsel, Salman Safdar, told journalists that, to his knowledge, no other cases required the PTI founder to secure bail. Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, lauded Safdar’s efforts and expressed hope for Khan’s imminent release.
PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram also hailed the decision, accusing the government of using fabricated cases to suppress PTI and disrupt the November 24 protest.
### **Background**
The Toshakhana case revolves around allegations that Imran Khan retained state gifts, including a Bulgari jewelry set, without depositing them in the Toshakhana as required. The case has faced significant delays, with over three years passing before its registration.
