Former PTI minister and independent Senator Faisal Vawda referred to the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case as an “open-and-shut case” on Sunday, claiming that the conviction of former prime minister Imran Khan was “inevitable.”
Vawda made these remarks as an accountability court in Rawalpindi prepared to deliver its long-awaited judgment in the £190 million corruption case against PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, on Monday. Judge Nasir Javed Rana is set to announce the verdict at 11 am at Adiala Jail.
Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Vawda said, “The £190 million case is straightforward. The PTI founder committed a crime and will face the consequences.”
The 71-year-old former cricket star-turned-politician has been in prison since August last year following his sentencing in the Toshakhana case-I, one of numerous legal cases filed against him since his removal from office in April 2022.
Vawda revealed that he had warned Khan at the time of signing that the agreement would lead to a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) case. Criticizing his former party leader, he remarked, “Popularity doesn’t place anyone above the law.”
Without naming specific individuals, Vawda accused some of Khan’s close associates of plotting to have him killed.
He also praised the Army, commending its sacrifices in restoring peace to the country. Dismissing rumors of external influence, Vawda insisted there was no backdoor dialogue between the PTI and the establishment during that period.
Calling for sincerity in negotiations with the coalition government, Vawda said, “There is good news for Pakistan’s economy. The backdoor diplomacy led by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir will yield positive results.” He hinted at an upcoming announcement but refrained from providing details, saying the government would share the news.
Background on the Al-Qadir Trust Case
The Al-Qadir Trust case revolves around allegations that Khan and his co-accused adjusted Rs50 billion (£190 million at the time) returned by Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to Pakistan as part of a settlement with a property tycoon.
The case alleges that the former prime minister approved the settlement through his cabinet on December 3, 2019, without disclosing details of the agreement. The funds were deposited in the Supreme Court on behalf of the tycoon.
NAB claims that Khan and his wife received land worth billions from the property tycoon to establish an educational institute in return for legalizing the tycoon’s funds. The Al-Qadir Trust was established shortly after the PTI-led government approved the deal.
Trial Timeline
– The PTI founder was arrested by NAB on November 13, 2023, and interrogated for 17 days at Adiala Jail.
– Charges were filed against Khan and Bushra Bibi on February 27, 2024.
– Key witnesses included former cabinet members and the chief financial officer of Al-Qadir University.
– Six co-accused were declared absconders, with their assets and accounts frozen.
While the Islamabad High Court granted bail to Khan in this case, the trial court approved pre-arrest bail for Bushra. Attempts by Khan to summon 16 witnesses were denied by the court.
The trial witnessed four judge replacements before Judge Nasir Javed Rana resumed hearings, leading to the anticipated judgment.
