Verdict in £190m Al-Qadir Trust Case Against Imran Khan Set for January 13
Islamabad’s accountability court will announce its verdict in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan on January 13, according to court staff. The announcement, initially expected on December 18, was postponed twice due to Judge Nasir Javed Rana’s leave.
Case Overview
Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and others are accused of causing a £190 million loss to Pakistan’s exchequer through a settlement between the PTI government and a prominent property tycoon. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed the reference against the accused in December 2023, claiming misuse of funds returned by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA).
The funds, which were part of a settlement related to the tycoon’s assets in the UK, were allegedly diverted for personal benefit. Imran Khan’s cabinet approved the settlement without revealing its terms, and the funds were subsequently submitted to the Supreme Court on behalf of the tycoon.
NAB asserts that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi received valuable land from the tycoon to establish Al-Qadir Trust in exchange for the legal cover provided for his wealth.
Trial Developments
- Arrests and Interrogation: Khan was arrested in November 2024, and he and Bushra were interrogated for 17 days in Adiala Jail.
- Charges and Bail: Charges were formally filed on February 27, 2024. Imran Khan was granted bail by the Islamabad High Court, while Bushra Bibi secured pre-arrest bail.
- Witnesses and Accused: The prosecution presented witnesses, including former PTI officials Pervez Khattak and Azam Khan, while Imran Khan’s request to call 16 witnesses was denied. Six co-accused were declared absconders, with their assets frozen.
- Judicial Changes: Four judges presided over the case before Judge Nasir Javed Rana resumed.
Broader Legal Challenges
The Al-Qadir Trust case is one of several legal battles confronting Imran Khan. The PTI founder has been imprisoned since August 2024 following his conviction in the Toshakhana case-I.
The case outcome is anticipated with significant political and legal implications, as it could further affect the political landscape amid an already tense environment.