Islamabad High Court Identifies Loopholes in Gift Case Investigation
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has recently brought to light some concerning loopholes in the investigation of a case involving former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. The case revolves around allegations that the couple violated state gift repository rules to obtain a valuable Bulgari jewelry set.
Detailed Analysis of the Court’s Findings
In its written order regarding Imran Khan’s post-arrest bail application, the court emphasized the need for further inquiry into the matter. According to the court, the rules outlined in the Cabinet Division’s office memorandum dated December 18, 2018, were in effect when the jewelry set in question was acquired by Bushra Bibi.
The prosecution highlighted a specific clause in the procedure, indicating that Imran was required not only to disclose the receipt of the gift but also to deposit it with the Toshakhana/Cabinet Division. Failure to make this deposit could result in criminal liability under Section 409 PPC.
The court pointed out that while the failure to deposit the gift did not warrant immediate action under the rules, the failure to report its receipt was a violation that required appropriate action. To address this issue, a new office memorandum was issued on March 18, 2023, with stricter guidelines regarding the timely deposit of gifts.
Implications of the Court’s Decision
Despite the new memorandum, the court acknowledged that it could not be applied retrospectively to Imran and Bushra’s case, as the alleged incident occurred prior to its issuance. The court’s order, authored by Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, suggested that further inquiry was necessary to fully understand the situation.
The court also considered Imran Khan’s age and the duration of his incarceration as factors in granting him post-arrest bail. It highlighted the lack of questioning by the Investigation Officer and the pending trial as reasons for its decision.
Moving Forward
The IHC’s findings shed light on the complexities surrounding the case and the need for a thorough investigation. As the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how the case will unfold and what implications it may have for the individuals involved.
