Senior government leaders have strongly defended the Toshakhana verdict, saying the case proves that accountability now applies equally to the powerful and the poor, and that justice has prevailed after years of alleged misuse of state gifts.
Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar, speaking to a private TV channel, said justice must prevail and no one should be considered innocent by default. He remarked that there was a long-standing perception that the elite were above the law, but recent verdicts show accountability is finally reaching influential circles.
He said a verdict had also been issued regarding Justice Tariq Jahangiri, alleging that his degree was obtained by changing his name and roll number.
He expressed surprise that some prominent intellectuals were claiming the degree was genuine while the examination paper was fake, stressing that every wrongdoing would ultimately be held accountable.
Toshakhana conviction based on evidence
The information minister stated that the conviction in the Toshakhana case was delivered after a fair trial and on the basis of undeniable evidence.
He said a person caused losses worth crores of rupees to the state by deliberately undervaluing a state gift, adding that political statements were easy but legal facts could not be ignored.
Also Read: Toshakhana 2 case: Imran Khan, Bushra sentenced to 17 years in prison each
Tarar said the valuation was conducted by a company linked to the seat holder, and the gift was deliberately undervalued.
He alleged the gift was illegally kept for personal use at a low price, causing massive financial loss to the national exchequer, and questioned why accountability is acceptable for the poor but controversial when it involves elite figures like the PTI founder.
He further said that when questioned about the £190 million case, PTI leaders resort to religious narratives, claiming punishment was due to references to the “State of Madinah.” He said legal justifications are ignored by PTI members, who instead rely on emotional and religious rhetoric.
Rana Sanaullah: Documents prove case beyond doubt
PML-N Senator Rana Sanaullah, in a conversation with Samaa TV, said the case is fully documented from the receipt of the gift to fake Toshakhana entries. He said records exist for everything, including market sales and deposit of money, making denial impossible.
Rana Sanaullah said the accused themselves first changed the valuation law and later violated it.
He added that the value of the gifts was never correctly determined and that the verdict was in line with the PTI founder’s own statements made during his tenure as prime minister.
He said the court fulfilled all requirements of justice and that the public should be informed about contradictions between the PTI founder’s words and actions.
Sanaullah also called for decisions in the May 9 cases and other pending matters, noting that courts have now started hearing these cases and that negligence cannot be alleged in the Toshakhana verdict.
Talal Chaudhry: Calling it political does not prove innocence
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, also speaking to Samaa TV, said the world knows PTI had no defense in the case. He said branding the matter as political does not establish innocence, especially when there was no doubt that jewelry worth billions was kept for a few million rupees.
Chaudhry said the gifts were not deposited in the Toshakhana and were undervalued during a period when the ruler frequently spoke of the State of Madinah. He said in Islamic governance even a simple cloak is accounted for, yet items worth billions were allegedly misused for personal benefit, which constitutes theft.
Also Read: Toshakhana II case against Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi: Details here
He described the case as “open and shut,” saying it should have been decided long ago but was delayed for 14–15 months due to tactics and excuses by the PTI legal team.
Chaudhry alleged that the husband and wife left nothing in the Toshakhana, claiming even low-value items like mobile phones were retained.
Azma: Wake-up call
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said the verdict marked a day of pain and shame for the nation but also served as an eye-opener. She said those who built political careers by calling others thieves and robbers came to power to collect diamonds and money through backdoor means.
She alleged that rules were manipulated so Toshakhana gifts could be retained by paying 50%, but prices were reduced through fake invoicing.
She claimed a set worth Rs600 million was valued at just Rs5.8 million, calling it extreme dishonesty, and referenced allegations involving fake invoices, including one for a Kaaba clock from a shop unfamiliar with high-value items.
Comparison with past accountability cases
She recalled how Nawaz Sharif faced a media trial over an unwithdrawn salary, while no proven corruption was established against him.
Bukhari said the PTI founder was accused of lying, hiding assets, and stealing, adding that politics should now focus on public relief rather than personal enrichment. She stressed that under PML-N procedures, no ruler can take Toshakhana gifts home, and accountability must apply equally.
She concluded that if petty thieves can be punished in Adiala Jail, those accused of stealing diamonds must also face justice, saying rulers should be the most accountable of all.
