What's new

Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi convicted in £190m Al-Qadir Trust case [Update@ Post#68]

Do you believe that Imran Khan committed a crime in the Al Qadir University case?


  • Total voters
    38

Govt hatching conspiracy to shut down Al-Qadir University: Salman Akram Raja​

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has stated that there is a conspiracy to shut down Al-Qadir University.

During a press conference in Islamabad alongside Kanwal Shauzab, Salman Akram Raja mentioned that the government launched a major offensive using the £190 million issue as a basis.

He added that the decision regarding the £190 million would be challenged in a day or two. "We will fight based on logic and thought, as well as on legal and ethical grounds," he said.

The PTI leader further claimed that a conspiracy is underway to close Al-Qadir University, which operates as a trust like other universities.

Referring to the 26th Amendment, he said it had weakened the judicial system.

"The facts are clear, and we will approach the higher judiciary. Politically, we are engaging in dialogue at all levels," he added.

Kanwal Shauzab

PTI leader Kanwal Shauzab stated that after May 9, over 200 cases were filed targeting the PTI founder. She said Imran Khan was being targeted for not agreeing to a preferred deal.

She further remarked that the country had been turned into a spectacle in recent days. "You cannot hide the truth; lies are repeatedly told," she concluded.

Souce: Dunya News
 

UK Court's decision on 190 million pound a slap to govt: Barrister Saif​


Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Adviser on Information, Barrister Dr. Saif, has called the UK High Court's decision regarding the 190 million pound case a resounding slap to the government.

In a statement, Barrister Saif said that, as per the agreement, the amount was to be deposited in the Supreme Court of Pakistan. He claimed that the Al-Qadir Trust case verdict was driven by personal vendettas and malice. He added that, like other fabricated cases, this too would be proven baseless in the High Court.

He stated that once the case reaches the High Court, Maryam Nawaz and the Sharif family's hopes would crumble. The Adviser further noted that the truth behind all of the government's false cases was gradually being exposed.

Barrister Saif expressed confidence that this case, like others, would soon be dismissed, while urging the government to prepare for yet another baseless case.

He praised Imran Khan for courageously facing all fabricated charges.

 
Now last hope of IK is trump. Only trump can make IK a free man. As trump is the unofficial master of our army. But the issue is that IK has his courts judgement against him.
 
Lawmakers bicker over verdict in Imran’s £190m case

The 14-year jail term awarded to former prime minister Imran Khan in a £190 million corruption case remained the main bone of contention in the Senate on Monday, as the government and the opposition argued over the merits of the corruption case.

PTI opposition leader Senator Shibli Faraz said the sentence was politically motivated, claiming the PTI founder was convicted for plans to establish a university to impart knowledge to the younger generation.

He said the decision was meant to keep Imran Khan out of the political arena, saying it would be challenged in superior courts.

The senator said the ill-gotten money returned by the United Kingdom landed in the Supreme Court account. “We did not get palaces for ourselves as some parties did,” he said, adding that a party got a palace built in Lahore for selling land worth trillions of rupees at throwaway rates.

Accusing the government of registering fake cases against its political opponents, the senator said he was sure somebody from the other side of the aisle would say the PTI used to do the same.

However, the fact was that the two major parties, part of the ruling coalition, had instituted cases against each other for ‘blackmailing’, he alleged.

Senator Faraz said Imran Khan did not gain benefit out of the amount received from the United Kingdom. About Al Qadir Trust, he said trustees do not get a financial gain from such ventures. He said the university had been established in the public interest keeping in view the “Islamic spirit”.

“If you start punishing people for good works, who will engage in welfare and charity activities,” he asked. He invited the government to compete with the PTI in the political arena. “You will enjoy it if you come to power on the basis of a genuine mandate,” he quipped.

He also raised the issue of the non-implementation of the production order for PTI Senator Ejaz Chaudhary, terming it an insult to the parliament. The opposition lawmakers also staged a token walkout from the house over the issue.

Responding to the PTI, PML-N parliamentary leader Senator Irfan Siddiqui said there were over 20,000 registered religious seminaries across the country and none of these had been shut.

He questioned why someone would gift 500 kanal of land for the so-called trust if no favours had been doled out to them. He claimed 240 kanal in Banigala had been given to Farhat Shahzadi, alias Farah Gogi, a close friend of former first lady Bushra Bibi.

The PML-N senator said Al Qadir Trust was not a registered entity, adding that two of the four trustees had already been removed and the entire land of the Al Qadir University was now under the alleged ownership of Imran Khan and his spouse.

He claimed that Al Qadir University did not have the legal status of a university; rather, it was a graduate college.

The house also passed five bills, including the Members of Parliament Salaries And Allowances (Amendment) Bill and the National Assembly Secretariat Employees (Amendment) Bill moved by Senator Danesh Kumar. Three other bills that had been passed were moved by Senator Mohsin Aziz.

These included the Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill, the Islamabad Rent Restriction (Amendment) Bill, and the Factories (Amendment) Bill.

NA derailed

Separately, the PTI disrupted the proceedings in the National Assembly by pointing out a lack of quorum, which forced Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to adjourn the session till Tuesday (today) without taking up any agenda item.

As soon as the speaker announced the Question Hour, the PTI members started sloganeering and resorted to desk-thumping, which made it difficult for the treasury members to carry out the agenda.

The speaker asked the treasury members to use headphones to avoid distraction. However, the PTI members staged a walkout leaving behind Dir MNA Mehboob Shah to point out the quorum.

After declaring the house not in order following a headcount, the speaker first suspended the proceedings till the completion of the quorum and later announced the adjournment.

The government has been unable to complete its agenda items since the beginning of the session on January 6 because of the PTI’s noisy protests and the failure of the treasury members to maintain quorum for which 84 members, one-fourth of the 336-member house, are required.

DAWN NEWS
 
Lawmakers bicker over verdict in Imran’s £190m case

The 14-year jail term awarded to former prime minister Imran Khan in a £190 million corruption case remained the main bone of contention in the Senate on Monday, as the government and the opposition argued over the merits of the corruption case.

PTI opposition leader Senator Shibli Faraz said the sentence was politically motivated, claiming the PTI founder was convicted for plans to establish a university to impart knowledge to the younger generation.

He said the decision was meant to keep Imran Khan out of the political arena, saying it would be challenged in superior courts.

The senator said the ill-gotten money returned by the United Kingdom landed in the Supreme Court account. “We did not get palaces for ourselves as some parties did,” he said, adding that a party got a palace built in Lahore for selling land worth trillions of rupees at throwaway rates.

Accusing the government of registering fake cases against its political opponents, the senator said he was sure somebody from the other side of the aisle would say the PTI used to do the same.

However, the fact was that the two major parties, part of the ruling coalition, had instituted cases against each other for ‘blackmailing’, he alleged.

Senator Faraz said Imran Khan did not gain benefit out of the amount received from the United Kingdom. About Al Qadir Trust, he said trustees do not get a financial gain from such ventures. He said the university had been established in the public interest keeping in view the “Islamic spirit”.

“If you start punishing people for good works, who will engage in welfare and charity activities,” he asked. He invited the government to compete with the PTI in the political arena. “You will enjoy it if you come to power on the basis of a genuine mandate,” he quipped.

He also raised the issue of the non-implementation of the production order for PTI Senator Ejaz Chaudhary, terming it an insult to the parliament. The opposition lawmakers also staged a token walkout from the house over the issue.

Responding to the PTI, PML-N parliamentary leader Senator Irfan Siddiqui said there were over 20,000 registered religious seminaries across the country and none of these had been shut.

He questioned why someone would gift 500 kanal of land for the so-called trust if no favours had been doled out to them. He claimed 240 kanal in Banigala had been given to Farhat Shahzadi, alias Farah Gogi, a close friend of former first lady Bushra Bibi.

The PML-N senator said Al Qadir Trust was not a registered entity, adding that two of the four trustees had already been removed and the entire land of the Al Qadir University was now under the alleged ownership of Imran Khan and his spouse.

He claimed that Al Qadir University did not have the legal status of a university; rather, it was a graduate college.

The house also passed five bills, including the Members of Parliament Salaries And Allowances (Amendment) Bill and the National Assembly Secretariat Employees (Amendment) Bill moved by Senator Danesh Kumar. Three other bills that had been passed were moved by Senator Mohsin Aziz.

These included the Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill, the Islamabad Rent Restriction (Amendment) Bill, and the Factories (Amendment) Bill.

NA derailed

Separately, the PTI disrupted the proceedings in the National Assembly by pointing out a lack of quorum, which forced Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to adjourn the session till Tuesday (today) without taking up any agenda item.

As soon as the speaker announced the Question Hour, the PTI members started sloganeering and resorted to desk-thumping, which made it difficult for the treasury members to carry out the agenda.

The speaker asked the treasury members to use headphones to avoid distraction. However, the PTI members staged a walkout leaving behind Dir MNA Mehboob Shah to point out the quorum.

After declaring the house not in order following a headcount, the speaker first suspended the proceedings till the completion of the quorum and later announced the adjournment.

The government has been unable to complete its agenda items since the beginning of the session on January 6 because of the PTI’s noisy protests and the failure of the treasury members to maintain quorum for which 84 members, one-fourth of the 336-member house, are required.

DAWN NEWS
Meanwhile the criminal regime in cahoots with IHC has inducted 2 criminals onto to the court and off course they will be on IKs bench or at least one of them along with Farooq. This is badmashi and criminal but at this point it's a given
 

NAB cautions against investing in Bahria Town’s Dubai project; govt to reach out to UAE for Malik Riaz’s extradition​

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) cautioned the public on Tuesday on investing in Bahria Town’s new real estate project in Dubai, adding that the government was reaching out to the United Arab Emirates to seek property tycoon Malik Riaz’s extradition through legal avenues.

The development comes on the heels of PTI founder Imran Khan and his spouse’s conviction in the Al-Qadir Trust case, in which Riaz and his son are also co-accused and proclaimed offenders. As PTI and legal experts pointed to the need for accountability for all those involved, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had said that consultation was ongoing on how to bring the other absconders back.

In a press release issued today carried by state-owned media outlet Radio Pakistan, NAB said: “Mr Malik Riaz is residing in Dubai, UAE. He has recently launched a project for the construction of luxury apartments in Dubai, UAE. The general public at large is hereby advised and warned to refrain from investing in the stated project. If the general public at large invests in the stated project, their actions would tantamount to money laundering, for which they may face criminal/ legal proceedings.

“The government of Pakistan is reaching out to the government of UAE for the extradition of Malik Riaz through legal channels.”

NAB recounted that he was currently an absconder in the Al-Qadir Trust case and wanted by the court with the watchdog already having frozen innumerable assets of his and Bahria Town.

The watchdog said it was conducting inquiries and investigations against the Bahria Town owner and his associates for “fraud, deceptive practices and cheating public at large”.

It said it had “cogent and credible information about the fact that Mr Malik Riaz and his accomplices have not only illegally possessed/occupied state-owned land but also land belonging to private persons situated at Karachi, Takht-Pari, Rawalpindi and New Murree.

“He is using these lands for developing housing societies without obtaining mandatory/required regulatory permissions/no objection certificates and has committed fraud against the state and general public at large to the tune of billions of rupees.”

NAB alleged that the property tycoon was developing housing societies under the name of Bahria Town “in a duplicitous manner” in other cities, including Peshawar and Jamshoro, by “illegally possessing/occupying land” and failing to procure the same mandatory regulatory permissions and legal documents.

It added that he continued to “defraud the general public at large by selling them plots/files in these illegal housing societies” despite neither he nor Bahria Town having a “good/clear title” to any of the lands in “these illegal housing societies”.

Last year in May, the property tycoon had complained in an uncharacteristic cryptic post that he was facing “pressure” to take a political side and was facing financial losses, but vowed not to be used as a “pawn for political motives”.

He has many past cases alleging the use of land acquisition tactics for his real estate projects. He and his firm have also been at the centre of multiple court cases; most recently being ordered by the Supreme Court to pay the amount the real estate developer owed to the Sindh government for the acquisition of land for Bahria Town Karachi.

The property tycoon — who is considered well-connected with political parties, media and the country’s civil and military establishment — has not yet addressed today’s statement by NAB.

Source: DAWN
 

NAB cautions against investing in Bahria Town’s Dubai project; govt to reach out to UAE for Malik Riaz’s extradition​

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) cautioned the public on Tuesday on investing in Bahria Town’s new real estate project in Dubai, adding that the government was reaching out to the United Arab Emirates to seek property tycoon Malik Riaz’s extradition through legal avenues.

The development comes on the heels of PTI founder Imran Khan and his spouse’s conviction in the Al-Qadir Trust case, in which Riaz and his son are also co-accused and proclaimed offenders. As PTI and legal experts pointed to the need for accountability for all those involved, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had said that consultation was ongoing on how to bring the other absconders back.

In a press release issued today carried by state-owned media outlet Radio Pakistan, NAB said: “Mr Malik Riaz is residing in Dubai, UAE. He has recently launched a project for the construction of luxury apartments in Dubai, UAE. The general public at large is hereby advised and warned to refrain from investing in the stated project. If the general public at large invests in the stated project, their actions would tantamount to money laundering, for which they may face criminal/ legal proceedings.

“The government of Pakistan is reaching out to the government of UAE for the extradition of Malik Riaz through legal channels.”

NAB recounted that he was currently an absconder in the Al-Qadir Trust case and wanted by the court with the watchdog already having frozen innumerable assets of his and Bahria Town.

The watchdog said it was conducting inquiries and investigations against the Bahria Town owner and his associates for “fraud, deceptive practices and cheating public at large”.

It said it had “cogent and credible information about the fact that Mr Malik Riaz and his accomplices have not only illegally possessed/occupied state-owned land but also land belonging to private persons situated at Karachi, Takht-Pari, Rawalpindi and New Murree.

“He is using these lands for developing housing societies without obtaining mandatory/required regulatory permissions/no objection certificates and has committed fraud against the state and general public at large to the tune of billions of rupees.”

NAB alleged that the property tycoon was developing housing societies under the name of Bahria Town “in a duplicitous manner” in other cities, including Peshawar and Jamshoro, by “illegally possessing/occupying land” and failing to procure the same mandatory regulatory permissions and legal documents.

It added that he continued to “defraud the general public at large by selling them plots/files in these illegal housing societies” despite neither he nor Bahria Town having a “good/clear title” to any of the lands in “these illegal housing societies”.

Last year in May, the property tycoon had complained in an uncharacteristic cryptic post that he was facing “pressure” to take a political side and was facing financial losses, but vowed not to be used as a “pawn for political motives”.

He has many past cases alleging the use of land acquisition tactics for his real estate projects. He and his firm have also been at the centre of multiple court cases; most recently being ordered by the Supreme Court to pay the amount the real estate developer owed to the Sindh government for the acquisition of land for Bahria Town Karachi.

The property tycoon — who is considered well-connected with political parties, media and the country’s civil and military establishment — has not yet addressed today’s statement by NAB.

Source: DAWN
NAB would be better off investigating why NSs son sold his price to MR for double price. The case against IK lasted all of 10 min when it was revealed the judgement copied parts of a UK judgement but stopped where IK was totally exonerated. Now these criminals are packing the IHC with judges that are under strict orders to keep IK in prison
 
Was pressured to testify against Imran in £190m case, claims Zulfi Bukhari

SAYED Zulfiqar Bukhari, a close aide of Imran Khan, has claimed he faced immense pressure to testify against the former prime minister in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case.

Speaking to The Independent, Zulfi Bukhari claimed authorities offered him lucrative deals, but he refused.

“Anybody whose name is involved in this case was offered all sorts of deals (to testify) against Imran Khan. Luckily, none of them took that offer — not the businessman, not myself,” said Mr Bukhari, who currently serves as the PTI founder’s international media adviser and is based in London since he fled Pakistan after a crackdown.

The Al-Qadir Trust case is centred around the alleged misuse of £190m that was repatriated from UK via the National Crime Agency, to benefit property tycoon Malik Riaz. Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were convicted last week, receiving sentences of 14 and seven years respectively.

Mr Bukhari described the pressure he faced, stating, “From kidnapping family members, destroying homes, businesses, blocking bank accounts, stripping me of all my land… no pressure tactic was left. It was a two-pronged attack — carrot and a stick.”

He argued that the case is politically motivated and lacks evidence of financial gain. “The £190m… is sitting with the Supreme Court of Pakistan. That money is actually earning interest… this whole narrative… is absolute rubbish,” he said.

Imran Khan, speaking from Adiala Jail, confirmed that Bukhari was offered deals to testify, but refused. “This has resulted in his business being destroyed, family members displaced,” the publication quoted Mr Khan as saying.

Bukhari also told The Indepdendent that was added as a defendant in the case after refusing to appear in court, citing fears of arrest.

DAWN NEWS
 

£190m case ready for appeal: Ali Muhammad Khan​

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Ali Muhammad Khan announced on Friday that the party had prepared an appeal against the decision in the £190 million case.

Expressing his thoughts on the Samaa TV programme "Do Tok with Kiran Naz," he categorised the case as "open and shut".

Khan stated, "This is a straightforward matter, and our legal team has diligently worked to challenge the verdict." He emphasised the party's confidence in the appeal process.

He said: "Elections within the party would take place only after the founder's release from incarceration. The entire party eagerly awaits his return, as it is essential for the democratic process within PTI."

Speaking about PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat, Khan commended his contributions during challenging times. He said: "The leadership would resolve the concerns amicably. Sher Afzal’s sacrifices are well-recognised, and the party values his dedication."

Regarding Salman Akram Raja’s position within the party, Khan said: "The entire party viewed Raja as the Secretary General. He is a serious individual, personally nominated by Imran Khan."

"There is no question of impacting the Turkish President’s visit," he asserted.

Khan further called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to establish a judicial commission regarding allegations against the government, stating, "A judicial commission would benefit all parties involved and pave the way for renewed negotiations."

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi commented on Pakisatn Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s schedule, stating: "Bhutto-Zardari’s commitments included a planned visit to the United States amidst other pressing engagements."

When questioned about Bhutto-Zardari’s attendance at Donald Trump’s inaugural breakfast, Kundi responded, "If an invitation is extended, he will consider attending, but his priorities remain aligned with his official duties."

Kundi clarified that Bhutto-Zardari had not attended Trump’s previous inauguration due to other obligations. He added, "The foreign minister has always prioritised critical diplomatic missions over ceremonial events."

He commented on Senate Chairman Ejaz Chaudhry’s production orders, assuring that the matter would be resolved promptly. He stated, "The orders will be adhered to."

Kundi also highlighted differences with the federal government, stressing that disagreements were aimed at fostering improvements. "We believe in constructive criticism to achieve better outcomes," he explained.

Referring to amendments in the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), Kundi said: "Discussions on the matter were ongoing. Some amendments may be introduced in the Senate soon."

Kundi expressed optimism about the party’s preparations for the upcoming CEC meeting.

Source: SAMAA
 
£190 million case: Shehzad Akbar, Farah Khan’s passports ‘blocked’

According to reports, the ministry has blocked the passports of former SAPM on accountability, Shehzad Akbar and close friend of former first lady, Farah Khan as part of the ongoing investigation.

The move comes after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) formally requested the ministry to block the passports of the accused through an official letter sent on January 28.

It is to be noted here that the PTI founder and his wife were given jail sentences by Rawalpindi accountability court Judge Nasir Javed Rana in the case, known as Al-Qadir Trust case or £190 million case.

The court also imposed fines of Rs 1 million and Rs500,000 on Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, respectively.

The accountability court also ordered to take Al-Qadir University into government custody.

Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi would have to face additional face six-month and three-month imprisonments in case of non-payment. Bushra Bibi was taken into custody from the courtroom in Rawalpindi.

The accountability court also ordered to take Al-Qadir University into government custody.

 
ATC permits Bushra Bibi to 'consult Imran Khan' in PTI protests cases

Upon former first lady Bushra Bibi’s refusal to record her statement in the cases pertaining to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) demonstrations without consulting PTI founder Imran Khan and her lawyer, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) of Rawalpindi ordered the authorities on Saturday to grant her permission to meet her incarcerated husband in the Adiala jail.

Police had brought Bushra before judge Amjad Ali Shah in the 31 cases lodged following the November 26 demonstrations in Islamabad. She pleaded the court that she would like to meet with Imran and her attorney, Salman Safdar, before participating in the probe, The News reported.

The cases against Imran’s wife were registered at various police stations across Rawalpindi, Attock, and Chakwal.

She said she could join the investigation even the same day if she was allowed to meet her husband. She also submitted an application demanding that she should be investigated in the presence of the former prime minister.

The court, in line with the standard operating procedures (SOPs), directed the authorities concerned to allow Bushra to meet Imran in prison and adjourned the hearing till March 7.

Police teams had arrived at Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, where Bushra is currently held, to include her in the investigation.

The team of investigative officers, including inspectors Afzal, Yaqub Shah, Rashid Kiyani, and others, questioned Bushra in the administrative block of the jail. However, Imran’s wife made it clear that she would not respond to the police inquiry until she consulted her spouse and lawyer. She stated that she required approval from them before she could provide a formal statement.

The former first lady, along with the PTI founding chairman and the party's central leadership including Ali Amin Gandapur, Salman Akram Raja and Sheikh Waqas Akram, was booked in various cases in the aftermath of November 2024’s "final call" protest, which came to an end following a strict government crackdown.

The couple, along with PTI leadership, were later also booked in a "triple murder case" over the death of three Rangers personnel who died during the opposition party's "do-or-die" protest after being allegedly run over by a vehicle.

Bushra and her husband have been embroiled in a plethora of legal cases for months.

 
PTI presses acting IHC CJ to fast-track hearings in £190m case

The PTI on Wednesday pressed the acting chief justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to expedite hearings on petitions seeking the suspension of sentences awarded to party founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the £190 million corruption case.

Speaking to the media outside the IHC, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also reiterated the party’s support for armed forces, stressing that Islamabad had achieved a significant diplomatic and moral victory in the face of heightened tensions with New Delhi.

On the occasion, dozens of PTI workers and assembly members had gathered on Constitution Avenue, staging a protest and demanding the release of Imran Khan. Mr Gohar — accompanied by Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Barrister Ali Zafar, Latif Khosa, Shibli Faraz, Aliya Hamza and others — called for an end to what he termed the unjust incarceration of the PTI founder.

The PTI leadership ended their protest after Aleema Khan’s arrival, vowing to return next week when the hearing is expected to be scheduled.

According to the party’s lawyer, Shoaib Shaheen, the acting chief justice had assured them that the case would be scheduled next week.

Meanwhile, the investigation team arrived at Adiala Jail from Lahore to conduct a polygraph test of Imran Khan in connection with nine cases registered against him on May 9, 2023. However, he refused to undergo the test, citing a constitutional provision under which one can’t be forced to testify.

DAWN NEWS
 
Where are the patwaris? I told you Khan won't take deals like their hero who's hiding in London
 
He was guilty here, whether you accept it or not is up to you.

I called it last year that this is the case he will get caught in, and you said no this is a nothing case. He as a PM transferred money back to the criminal.

Instead of arguing about Imran, its better to argue that Malik should also be arrested
This case lasted all of a day or 2. MR did a deal with the Sharifs to pay double for the property. The money returned didn't belong to the PK state and we know this because Isa( in a hearing about the SC fine on MR) had a nibble at this case in the SC and got humiliated. And why the delay in the IHC to hear IKs appeal. Surely if he was guilty then the appeal would have been heard and thrown out, especially as the 15 crappest judge from the LHC was brought in to keep IK in jail
 
IHC to hear sentence suspension pleas in 190m pounds case on June 6

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday scheduled a hearing for June 5 on petitions seeking the suspension of sentences awarded to PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the £190 million case.

The case will be heard by Acting Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif.

Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were convicted earlier this year, and their legal team has since filed appeals along with requests for sentence suspension.

The PTI leadership had formally approached the court last week, urging an early hearing on legal and constitutional grounds.


 

Imran, Bushra move IHC for early hearing of plea seeking suspension of sentence in £190m graft case​


Former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi on Tuesday filed an application in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for an early hearing of the plea for the suspension of their conviction in the £190m Al-Qadir Trust case, in which both of them face a 14-year and a seven-year prison term, respectively.

Imran and Bushra were convicted on January 17 in the case which alleges that the couple obtained billions of rupees and land worth hundreds of kanals from Bahria Town Ltd to legalise Rs50 billion identified and returned to the country by the United Kingdom during the previous PTI government.

On January 27, the couple moved IHC against the decision, asking the court to set aside their conviction, emphasising that the ruling lacked credible evidence and suffered from procedural lapses.

In an application filed on behalf of Imran, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, it was requested that an early hearing be fixed without any further delay, as it is a question of “liberty and freedom”.

It was stated that “an application for suspension of sentence was filed but has not been heard in accordance with the Judicial Policy and Court’s routine, depriving the applicant of his constitutional right to a speedy hearing”, referring to an earlier plea that was filed on behalf of Imran against the conviction in the case.

The appeal called the conviction of the jailed leader a result of “political victimisation”.

The appeal noted that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has “repeatedly sought adjournments in the hearings on the suspension “on the pretext of engaging special prosecutors in the instant matter.”

It stated that the petition filed earlier for the suspension of the conviction under Section 426 of the Pakistan Criminal Procedure Code — the hearings for which were held on May 15, May 27, June 5 and June 26 — gave assurances that an actual date for the suspension hearing will be decided but no specific date for adjudication has been given yet.

The plea further added that on the next hearing, the special prosecutor sought more time and assured the lead counsel of an early date, but no such decision has been made yet.

Stressing the urgency of matters, the statement said that there should be no “legal or procedural impediment in fixing the application for suspension” as it involves the fundamental right of liberty of a citizen under Article 9 of the constitution, which entails that no citizen can be tried without due legal process.

The counsel urged that the applicant is being denied his fundamental right under Article 4 of the Constitution — which ensures that every Pakistani citizen must be treated by the law — due to these delays.

It added that the applicant’s case has been deprioritised without any lawful justification, even though it is standard practice to hear bail matters and suspension applications on priority.

In a similar application, filed on behalf of Bushra Bibi, who is serving a seven-year sentence in the same case, it was stated that the applicant, being a woman, has faced repeated prosecutions with “malicious intent”, citing her involvement in 13 different cases for which he has been acquitted.

They included the Iddat case — filed by her ex-husband, Khawar Fareed Maneka, who alleged that Imran and Bushra contracted marriage during the former first lady’s Iddat period.

The petition highlighted that the delays violate Article 4 of the Constitution, particularly in light of the applicant’s gender and the protective provisions of the law favouring women in bail matters.

Under Article 9 of the Constitution, the petition stated that, “as a woman, she is entitled to additional protections under Islamic jurisprudence and Pakistani law, which mandate leniency and priority in bail matters for female detainees.”

In December 2023, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had filed a corruption reference against Imran and seven others, including his wife, in connection with the Al-Qadir University Trust.

The reference filed by NAB alleged that Imran played a “pivotal role in the illicit transfer of funds meant for the state of Pakistan into an account designated for the payment of land by Bahria Town, Karachi”.

It also claimed that despite being given multiple opportunities to justify and provide information, the accused deliberately, with mala fide intention, refused to give information on one pretext or another.

Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1922818/i...g-suspension-of-sentence-in-ps190m-graft-case
 

Shehzad Akbar named key accused in £190m case​


Former Asset Recovery Unit (ARU) chief and ex-special assistant to the prime minister on accountability, Shehzad Akbar, has been identified as a central figure in the ongoing £190 million reference case, according to investigative sources. They alleged that Akbar acted as the mastermind behind an illegal scheme that caused significant financial losses to Pakistan.

As part of the investigation, it was revealed that Akbar signed a Deed of Confidentiality on November 6 2019, ahead of the formal approval of the ARU's restructuring and a key cabinet meeting — a move investigators cite as evidence of bad faith.

According to the findings, the £190 million — part of a civil settlement with the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) — was diverted to a "designated account" in the name of the Registrar of the Supreme Court. The amount was originally held in the responsibility account of a major private housing society in Karachi.

The agreement was also signed by co-accused Ziaul Mustafa Naseem. Investigators stated the funds were falsely portrayed as being transferred to an official account of the State of Pakistan, while in reality, they were redirected to benefit a private entity.

Records show that Akbar travelled to the United Kingdom twice in 2019 — from February 4 to 8 and again from May 22 to 26 — where he reportedly met with the UK Home Secretary and the Director General of the NCA. During these meetings, he allegedly negotiated a secret road map for the repatriation of funds.

Officials claim Akbar deliberately excluded key Pakistani institutions such as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and the State Bank of Pakistan from the decision-making process. This, sources argue, led to substantial financial loss to the Supreme Court and diverted nearly £190 million (approximately Rs50 billion) away from the state.

Sources further revealed that even before cabinet approval, criminal proceeds were transferred from the UK to Pakistan in late November 2019. The move came following a high-level meeting on March 2, 2019 involving Akbar, then prime minister Imran Khan, and principal secretary Azam Khan. The discussion reportedly focused on a settlement with the NCA and the repatriation of funds.

Akbar allegedly overstepped the jurisdiction of the ARU and, in coordination with the then-prime minister, concealed critical facts from the cabinet. Despite presenting the agreement to the cabinet on December 3, 2019, he had already signed the confidential deed on November 6.

According to UK authorities, the NCA had frozen around £120 million before December 14, 2018 under the UK Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. The funds were seized based on suspicion against two Pakistani nationals and related investigations into assets, including the prime London property at 1 Hyde Park Place.

The ARU had reportedly reached a settlement with the housing society on March 13 and 21, 2019, under application No 8758. The respondents offered an out-of-court settlement with the NCA and their legal representatives. The Supreme Court, in March 2019, imposed heavy fines and conditionally suspended criminal proceedings related to the case.

Investigators say Akbar played a pivotal role in misusing authority, acting in bad faith, and concealing corruption-related funds. As a result, legal action continues, with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and other authorities conducting inquiries. Akbar has since been declared a proclaimed offender in the case.

What is the £190 million case?


The case alleges that Imran Khan and others involved adjusted Rs50 billion—equivalent to £190 million at the time—that was transferred by the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) to the Pakistani government.

As PM, Imran Khan obtained cabinet approval for this settlement on December 3, 2019, without disclosing the confidential details of the agreement. The arrangement had stipulated that the funds would be submitted to the Supreme Court.

According to NAB officials, Imran and his wife received land worth billions of rupees intended for the construction of an educational institute.

NAB filed the reference on December 1, 2023 against eight accused persons including Imran and his wife. The court on January 6, 2024 declared the rest of six accused proclaimed offenders as they did not face the trial and escaped to foreign countries.

The court indicted Imran and Bushra on February 27, 2024. The prosecution presented 35 witnesses, whom the defence later cross-examined. Key witnesses in the case included PM's former principal secretary Azam Khan, former defence minister Pervez Khattak and former federal minister Zubaida Jalal.

Three different judges presided over the case at various stages of the trial while the final investigative officer, Mian Umar Nadeem, was cross-examined after 38 hearings. The accountability court provided the accused 15 opportunities to complete their statements under Section 342. However, no witnesses were presented by the defence.

Source: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2555523/shehzad-akbar-named-key-accused-in-190m-reference-case
 
Back
Top