ISLAMABAD: An accountability court in the federal capital on Friday sentenced Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the £190 million corruption case.
Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana sentenced the PTI founder to 14 years in prison and his wife to seven years, along with hefty fines. Imran Khan was fined Rs1 million, while Bushra Bibi was fined Rs0.5 million. If they fail to pay, the former prime minister will face an additional six months of imprisonment, and Bushra Bibi will serve an extra three months.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) team, led by Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi, attended the verdict announcement at Adiala Jail. Lawyers, including Barristers Gohar Khan, Shoaib Shaheen, and Salman Akram Raja, were also present. Following the verdict, Bushra Bibi was taken into custody, with a prepared cell awaiting her in Adiala Jail.
Convictions and Orders
Imran Khan was found guilty of “corrupt practices” and “misuse of authority,” while Bushra Bibi was convicted for “involvement in illegal activities.” The court ordered that Al-Qadir Trust University be placed under the federal government’s custody.
Security Measures
Rawalpindi police implemented strict security protocols around Adiala Jail. SP Saddar Nabeel Khokhar supervised the arrangements, supported by SDPO Saddar Daniyal Rana and other officials. Additional police, including Elite and Dolphin Forces, were deployed, with female officers led by Inspector Nasreen Batool. Plain-clothes personnel were stationed to monitor security.
Al-Qadir Trust Case Details
The £190 million case involves allegations that, in 2019, Imran Khan and others improperly adjusted Rs50 billion (approximately £190 million) sent by Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to Pakistan. This amount, linked to a property tycoon, was meant to be deposited into the national treasury but was allegedly misappropriated through the Al-Qadir Trust.
The NAB alleged that a confidential settlement with the NCA, approved by Imran Khan, led to the creation of the Al-Qadir Trust. The trust received land, purportedly as legal cover for the funds. Key PTI figures, including Zulfi Bukhari, Babar Awan, Bushra Bibi, and Farah Gogi, were named in the case. Zulfi Bukhari later withdrew from the trust, leaving it registered under Khan, Bushra, and Gogi.
Trial Proceedings
The trial, spanning over a year, featured testimony from former cabinet members Pervez Khattak, Zubaida Jalal, ex-principal secretary Azam Khan, and the university’s chief financial officer. Witnesses testified about the lack of transparency in the cabinet’s decision to approve the settlement.
Six co-accused, including Zulfi Bukhari and Farah Gogi, were declared absconders, and their assets were frozen. Imran Khan’s request to summon 16 witnesses was denied. The case saw several judicial changes, with multiple judges presiding over the proceedings.
Arrest and Protests
Imran Khan was initially arrested on May 9, 2023, leading to violent nationwide protests by PTI supporters, including attacks on military installations. He was later granted bail, with the Supreme Court deeming his arrest illegal.
This high-profile case marks a significant chapter in Pakistan’s political and judicial history.
