PTI hints at challenging Imran Khan’s conviction

Terms investigation in the Al-Qadir Trust case fundamentally flawed

Fri Jan 17 2025
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Key points

  • Information minister says decision based on merit
  • Parliamentary secretary says ruling testament to independence of judiciary
  • Khan’s counsel says investigation fundamentally flawed

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced on Friday to challenge the conviction of Imran Khan and his wife in the Al-Qadir Trust case.

Simultaneously, Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar termed the conviction in the £190 million corruption case as a decision based on merit, as it was an “open-and-shut case.”

An Islamabad-based accountability court, after several delays, finally handed down 14-year and seven-year sentences to Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, respectively, coupled with Rs1 million and Rs0.5 million fines. In case of default, Khan would face another six-month of imprisonment while Bushra Bibi would have to stay an additional three months in jail.

The Al-Qadir Trust case, also referred to as the £190 million corruption case, revolves around allegations that Imran Khan and others misappropriated Rs50 billion (approximately £190 million) sent by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to the Pakistani government during his stint as prime minister.

Reacting to the verdict, Opposition Leader in National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan resolved to challenge it before the appellate forum. “We will take this verdict to the superior courts.”

Opposition Leader in the Senate Shibli Faraz apperad to be optimistic, saying superior courts would dismiss the “groundless” charges against Khan. “In this nation, thieves roam freely while innocent, righteous individuals are unjustly targeted,” he said.

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PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said the decision would be challenged in the Islamabad High Court, emphasising that there were no grounds for a conviction.

Likewise, Khan’s counsel, Faisal Chaudhry, condemned what he termed the political manipulation of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), claiming it had become an instrument of government control. “The investigation in the Al-Qadir Trust case is fundamentally flawed,” he stated.

On the other hand, Federal Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar emphasised that the case adhered to legal standards and accused the defence of exploiting religious sentiments throughout the proceedings.

Addressing a press conference here, Tarar said Khan failed to provide substantial evidence, which led to his conviction, reiterating that the ruling was firmly based on the facts presented.

He asserted that the Al-Qadir Trust was allegedly established for laundering illicit funds, with clear evidence of corruption and misuse of power. “The defence could not establish innocence, and the case showcased undeniable corruption,” he remarked.

He elaborated that Khan must demonstrate that a sealed envelope was not presented in the federal Cabinet, a critical element of the legal process.

Meanwihle, Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Saba Sadiq welcomed on Friday the verdict, sentencing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan to 14 years in prison in the notorious 190 million pounds Al-Qadir Trust case.

“This ruling is a testament to the integrity and independence of Pakistan’s judicial system and its unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and accountability,” a press release quotes her as saying.

She said our judiciary has proven today that no one is above the law, adding that the verdict reflects the triumph of transparency and justice, reaffirming the judiciary’s dedication to protecting national resources and combating corruption at every level.

Sadiq underlined the need for taking collective measures to eliminate corruption and strengthen accountability in all spheres. “This landmark decision sends a clear message that the rule of law will prevail, and those who misuse their authority will be held accountable,” she said.

Our leadership affirms its commitment to support its institutions and ensure public trust in the judicial system, she said.

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