Bombshell Allegations Rock Toshakhana Case: Appraiser Claims Pressure to Undervalue Jewellery

A seismic development has just rattled the high-profile Toshakhana reference, as an appraiser has stepped forward with explosive allegations, claiming he was subjected to intense pressure to drastically undervalue a precious jewellery set. This shocking testimony has not only added a dramatic twist to an already contentious case but also cast a significant shadow over the integrity of the investigative process itself.

The man at the heart of these claims is Mohammad Waseem, a seasoned appraiser.

Testifying before accountability court judge Mohammad Bashir, Waseem pointed fingers directly at officials from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), specifically naming investigation officer Sheikh Asfand Yar. According to Waseem, he was actively pressured to artificially depress the value of a jewellery set that had been gifted to Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, by the Saudi Crown Prince.

Waseem’s original assessment in 2020 valued the exquisite jewellery set at a substantial Rs32.6 million.

However, the appraiser vividly recounted how NAB officials allegedly attempted to coerce him into certifying a valuation far below its true worth – specifically, pushing for figures as low as Rs6 million or Rs8 million. This dramatic discrepancy, if proven, suggests a deliberate attempt to manipulate evidence in a case already under intense public and political scrutiny.

During his detailed statement in court, Waseem stood firm on his initial valuation, asserting that he refused to yield to the undue influence.

He explained that the pressure was exerted during a crucial phase of the Toshakhana investigation, aiming to skew the evidence against Bushra Bibi. His steadfastness in resisting these alleged demands now forms a critical piece of evidence that could significantly alter the trajectory of the reference.

This revelation is not merely a procedural matter; it strikes at the core of accountability and justice.

Allegations of an investigative body attempting to influence expert testimony raise serious questions about the fairness and impartiality of the entire process. It suggests a potential misuse of authority and an effort to manufacture a specific outcome, rather than pursuing truth through objective means.

The court now faces the challenge of dissecting these grave claims and ensuring justice prevails.

The Toshakhana reference itself is a deeply sensitive and politically charged case, involving allegations of impropriety regarding state gifts received by public office holders. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are key figures in this saga, facing accusations that have led to legal battles and significant public debate.

Waseem’s testimony adds a fresh layer of complexity, intertwining the original allegations with new claims of investigative misconduct.

As the accountability court grapples with these shocking allegations, the focus will undoubtedly shift to the conduct of NAB and the veracity of Waseem’s claims.

This development underscores the delicate balance between investigation and due process, reminding all stakeholders of the paramount importance of integrity in every step of the legal journey. The coming days are set to be pivotal as further proceedings unfold in this riveting legal drama.