PTBP Web Desk
The much-anticipated decision in the £190 million case involving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, has been deferred once again. Aaj News reported that the verdict will now be announced on January 17, 2025.
This development marks yet another delay in the legal proceedings of the Al-Qadir Trust case. The court initially reserved its judgment on December 18, 2024, after both the prosecution and defense completed their final arguments. The decision was originally scheduled for December 23, 2024, at the Federal Judicial Complex (FJC).
On December 23, instead of delivering the anticipated judgment, the court adjourned the announcement to January 6, 2025. However, the verdict was postponed again on January 6 due to the absence of Javed Rana, the presiding officer, who was on leave.
The court staff informed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Imran Khan’s legal team that the decision would be revealed on January 13. Despite this, the ruling was deferred once more and rescheduled for January 17.
Background of the Al-Qadir Trust Case
The case revolves around alleged misuse of funds and land involving Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and several other high-profile individuals. NAB initiated an inquiry into the Al-Qadir Trust case, also referred to as the £190 million reference, in March 2023. This inquiry evolved into a formal investigation on April 28, 2023.
According to NAB, Imran Khan and his wife received substantial financial benefits and hundreds of kanals of land from Malik Riaz, the CEO of Bahria Town Private Limited. These alleged benefits were reportedly in exchange for adjusting a Rs 50 billion settlement paid to the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) as part of a fine imposed on Malik Riaz by Pakistan’s Supreme Court.
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were formally indicted on February 27, 2024, following a year-long trial. NAB presented statements from 35 witnesses, which were rigorously cross-examined by PTI’s legal team.
Key witnesses included:
- Azam Khan: Former Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.
- Pervez Khattak: Former Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Zubaida Jalal: Former Federal Minister.
The case involves several co-defendants:
- Farhat Shehzadi (alias Farah Gogi): A close associate of Bushra Bibi.
- Shehzad Akbar: Former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability and Chairman of the Asset Recovery Unit (ARU).
- Malik Riaz Hussain: CEO of Bahria Town Private Limited.
- Ziaul Mustafa Nasim: Former expert on international criminal law associated with ARU.
- Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari: Former trustee of the Al-Qadir Trust.
- Ahmed Ali Riaz: Another key individual linked to Bahria Town.
NAB contends that the couple used their influence to secure benefits in exchange for the settlement arrangement with the NCA. The prosecution asserts that these transactions violated legal and ethical standards, warranting accountability for all involved parties.
The repeated delays in the case have sparked widespread speculation and public interest. Many observers are keen to see how the legal process unfolds, given the high-profile nature of the defendants and the significant financial implications.
The Al-Qadir Trust case continues to be a focal point in Pakistan’s political and legal landscape. Observers believe the court’s decision will set a precedent for accountability in cases involving prominent political figures.
