ISLAMABAD: The Islam­abad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday granted bail to former prime minister Imran Khan in the second Toshakhana case concerning the purchase of an expensive Bulgari jewellery set at a throwaway price.

However, Mr Khan is unlikely to be released from jail as he needs to secure bail in nearly two dozen other cases. Late in the night, Rawalpindi police arrested him on terrorism charges related to a September protest.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb approved Mr Khan’s post-arrest bail against surety bonds worth Rs10 million, cautioning that any non-cooperation during trial proceedings could lead to the cancellation of the bail.

The decision came after detailed arguments from Mr Khan’s legal counsel and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) prosecution. The case pertains to allegations that Mr Khan retained state gifts, including a Bulgari jewellery set, by undervaluing them in violation of Toshakhana rules.

According to the FIA, the alleged undervaluation resulted in financial losses to the state while benefiting Mr Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi.

Mr Khan’s counsel rejected the allegations, stressing that the gifts were acquired under the 2018 Toshakhana policy, with payments made in accordance with valuations by customs and appraisers. The defence argued that the appraiser, Sohaib Abbasi, was coerced into altering his statement to implicate Mr Khan.

The counsel further highlighted procedural flaws, such as a delay of over three years in filing the case and vague charges under Section 109 of PPC.

During the hearing, Justice Aurangzeb questioned the prosecution’s evidence, including the reliability of witness statements and the specifics of alleged threats.

He also criticised the PTI government’s policy of withholding Toshakhana details, remarking, “When we asked, the details were hidden. Transparency was deliberately avoided.”

The judge dismissed the prosecution’s argument that Mr Khan benefited financially through his wife, quipping, “My wife’s belongings are not mine — what kind of logic is this?”

Ultimately, the court granted bail, noting that the case required further inquiry. The trial will now proceed to determine the validity of the charges.