Rawalpindi, December 18, 2024: The hearing of the £190 million case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, concluded at the Adiala Jail courtroom in Rawalpindi on Wednesday evening. The accountability court has reserved its verdict, which is scheduled to be announced by Judge Nasir Javed Rana on December 23.
During today’s proceedings, the defense counsel for Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi presented their closing arguments, following the prosecution’s arguments completed a day earlier. The trial, spanning a year, has now reached its final stages.
The hearing began at 10:30 a.m., with the defense initiating their concluding statements. On the previous day, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor Amjad Pervez concluded the prosecution’s arguments, alleging irregularities and misuse of authority during Imran Khan’s tenure as prime minister.
The prosecution accused Imran Khan’s government of transferring lands in the names of close associates, Farah Gogi and Zulfi Bukhari, as part of the £190 million settlement. Prosecutor Pervez claimed that the deal was finalized on November 6, 2019, but formal approval from the federal cabinet was only sought on December 3, 2019.
The prosecutor further stated that the first instalment of the settlement amount, approximately £190 million, was deposited in the Supreme Court’s account on November 29, 2019, without informing the cabinet. He alleged that discussions between the Asset Recovery Unit (ARU) and the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) regarding the settlement had been ongoing since 2018, and the agreement was sent to the NCA prior to receiving cabinet approval.
Additionally, the prosecution argued that funds intended for the federal government’s account were instead transferred to the Supreme Court’s account, raising questions about transparency.
Prosecutor Amjad Pervez claimed that public officeholders are prohibited under NAB law from accepting grants or donations for personal benefit. He alleged that the lands transferred to Farah Gogi and Zulfi Bukhari were part of the benefits derived from the settlement, even before the establishment of a trust to manage the funds. He pointed out violations of the 1973 Rules of Business, emphasizing that the cabinet was not provided the requisite seven days to review the matter before its discussion.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications on the alleged misuse of public office and financial mismanagement during Imran Khan’s tenure. The court’s decision, expected on December 23, will mark a pivotal moment in this high-profile case.Top of Form
