ISLAMABAD: A federal accountability court has declared Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, guilty in the high-profile £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case, sentencing them to 14 years and 7 years in prison, respectively.
Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana announced the verdict at Adiala Jail, where both the PTI leader and his wife were present, along with senior lawyers and officials from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Imran was fined Rs1 million, while Bushra faced a Rs0.5 million fine. Failure to pay will result in additional prison time.
Court’s Findings
Imran was convicted of corrupt practices and misuse of authority, while Bushra was found guilty of engaging in illegal activities. The court ordered the government to take control of Al-Qadir Trust University, citing irregularities in its establishment and funding.
Security Arrangements
Tight security surrounded Adiala Jail with a comprehensive plan led by SP Saddar Nabeel Khokhar. Personnel from six police stations, Elite Forces, and female officers were deployed to manage the situation.
Al-Qadir Trust Case Overview
The case revolves around £190 million seized by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) from a prominent Pakistani property tycoon. The settlement, approved during Imran’s tenure as prime minister in 2019, transferred funds to Pakistan without public disclosure. Authorities alleged that a portion of these funds facilitated the creation of Al-Qadir Trust, implicating Imran, Bushra Bibi, and close associates, including Zulfi Bukhari and Farah Gogi.
Trial Highlights
The year-long trial saw high-profile testimonies:
- Former cabinet ministers Pervez Khattak and Zubaida Jalal disclosed limited information was provided to the cabinet regarding the NCA settlement.
- Azam Khan, Imran’s former principal secretary, confirmed procedural irregularities.
Several co-accused, including Zulfi Bukhari and Farah Gogi, were declared absconders, and their assets were frozen.
Imran’s legal team argued for summoning 16 witnesses, but the court rejected the motion.
The high-stakes trial marks a significant chapter in Pakistan’s anti-corruption drive, with implications for the political landscape.
