Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has sold state gifts he had received from foreign leaders during his time in office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed, as Islamabad High Court hears a petition seeking details of these official gifts. One of Khan’s key aides, Fawad Chaudhary also confirmed it.

Khan, who was voted out of power by Parliament last week, has been facing allegations of misusing the Toshakhan, a  repository of gifts received by a head of state from his/her foreign counterparts. He had reportedly sold the state gifts, worth over $770,000, including expensive watches, bracelets, and diamond jewelry, reported Dawn.

“I can confirm that Imran Khan sold state gifts worth Rs140 million [roughly $770000] from the Toshakhana in Dubai,” Shehbaz Sharif, the country’s newly elected prime minister, was quoted as saying by Dawn.

Initially, the allegations were denied by Khan’s party, the PTI. However, on Friday, former information minister Fawad Chaudhary, a key aid of Khan, confirmed the selling of these gifts.

“These gifts were purchased by Imran Khan [ from the Toshakhana] and (after he became their owner) he can sell his assets. So there is nothing wrong with it,” Chaudhary said, defending Khan’s move.

PML-N, the main ruling party, alleged that Khan had not just sold a wristwatch, but other items also, including a necklace, ring, a gold Kalashnikov, and a jeep. Interestingly, Khan’s party PTI is avoiding sharing details of these items while a petition has been pending in the Islamabad High Court on the matter.

(SAM)