Toshakhana 2.0: Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi retained Bulgari jewellery set from Saudi Crown Prince

English , Latest - تازہ ترین , Pakistan - پاکستان , / Tuesday, August 20th, 2024

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Details have emerged regarding the Toshakhana reference against PTI founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. According to Express News, the reference was filed due to the Bulgari jewelry set given by the Saudi Crown Prince. Bushra Bibi received the Bulgari jewelry set during a visit to Saudi Arabia from May 7 to 10, 2021. The jewelry set included a ring, a bracelet, a necklace, and a pair of earrings. During the investigation for the reference, it was found that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi illegally retained the Bulgari jewelry set. On May 18, 2021, the Deputy Military Secretary informed the Section Officer of Toshakhana to assess and declare the value of the jewelry set, but it was not deposited. According to the reference, Bulgari had sold the necklace to the Saudi Arabian franchise Solugent Trading on May 25, 2018, for 300,000 euros and the earrings for 80,000 euros. However, the prices of the bracelet and ring were not available. On May 28, 2021, the total value of the Bulgari jewelry set was approximately 75,661,600 Pakistani Rupees. The necklace was valued at 56,496,000 Rupees, and the earrings at 15,065,600 Rupees. According to Toshakhana rules, the jewelry set’s value, after paying 50 percent, should be 35,765,800 Rupees. However, the NAB reference added that by undervaluing the jewelry set, a loss of 32,851,300 Rupees was incurred to the national treasury. The PTI founder, along with Bushra Bibi, has violated Section 9 and Subsections 3, 4, 6, and 12 of the NAB Ordinance 1999. The NAB reference states that, following a board meeting on August 1, 2022, and under the direction of the NAB Chairman, an inquiry was initiated against the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi. They are accused of misuse of authority, with the PTI founder having retained 58 out of 108 gifts during his tenure as Prime Minister.