According to the reference, the Bulgari necklace had been sold to Solugent Trading, a Saudi Arabian franchise, for 300,000 euros on May 25, 2018
PAKISTAN: New details have emerged regarding the Toshakhana reference involving PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. The reference, filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), concerns a Bulgari jewelry set allegedly received from the Saudi Crown Prince during their visit to Saudi Arabia from May 7 to 10, 2021.
The jewelry set, which included a ring, a bracelet, a necklace, and a pair of earrings, was reportedly not declared or deposited as required by Toshakhana regulations. On May 18, 2021, the Deputy Military Secretary had instructed the Section Officer of Toshakhana to assess and declare the value of the jewelry. Despite this, the set was not deposited as mandated.
According to the reference, the Bulgari necklace had been sold to Solugent Trading, a Saudi Arabian franchise, for 300,000 euros on May 25, 2018. The earrings were sold for 80,000 euros. However, the prices of the bracelet and ring were not disclosed. The total estimated value of the Bulgari jewelry set was approximately 75,661,600 Pakistani Rupees. The necklace alone was valued at 56,496,000 Rupees, and the earrings at 15,065,600 Rupees. The bracelet and ring’s values were not included in this calculation.
Under Toshakhana rules, the value of the jewelry set after paying 50 percent should be 35,765,800 Rupees. The NAB reference alleges that due to undervaluation, the national treasury suffered a loss of 32,851,300 Rupees. Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are accused of violating Section 9 and Subsections 3, 4, 6, and 12 of the NAB Ordinance 1999.
The NAB initiated an inquiry against them following a board meeting on August 1, 2022, under the direction of the NAB Chairman. The reference accuses Imran Khan of retaining 58 out of 108 gifts during his tenure as Prime Minister, constituting a misuse of authority. This development adds to the ongoing scrutiny and legal challenges faced by Imran Khan and his associates, reflecting broader concerns about accountability and governance in Pakistan.
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