Islamabad, January 17, 2025- The government on Friday welcomed the conviction of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case, calling it an “open-and-shut case” decided on merit. However, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) strongly rejected the verdict, labeling it politically motivated and vowing to challenge the decision in superior courts.
An accountability court in Islamabad, after multiple delays, handed down a 14-year prison sentence to Imran Khan and a seven-year term to his wife. Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana also imposed fines of Rs1 million on Khan and Rs0.5 million on Bushra Bibi. The failure to pay these fines could result in additional imprisonment of six months for Khan and three months for his wife.
The Al-Qadir Trust case centers on allegations that Imran Khan and others in 2019 adjusted Rs50 billion (£190 million at the time) sent by Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to the Pakistani government. Prosecutors accused the former prime minister of laundering the recovered funds through the Al-Qadir Trust, allegedly set up for this purpose.
In a joint press conference, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the court’s decision, stating that it was based on facts and adhered to legal standards. “The evidence of corruption, bribery, and misuse of power was undeniable,” said Ataullah Tarar, who also criticized Khan for failing to present substantial evidence in his defense.
The information minister added that the case demonstrated clear corruption, and the court’s decision was in line with the law. He accused the PTI of using religion as a shield during the proceedings and highlighted the lack of proof submitted by the defense.
The PTI dismissed the verdict as a politically motivated attack on its leadership. Speaking to Geo News, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram announced plans to challenge the ruling in the Islamabad High Court. “This case had no justification for a conviction and was filed with malicious intent,” he said.
Opposition Leader in the Senate Shibli Faraz termed the day of the verdict a “Black Day,” stating, “In this country, thieves roam freely, while innocent and honest individuals who walk the path of righteousness are being targeted.” PTI leader Omar Ayub also vowed to take the case to superior courts, claiming the verdict would not stand under proper scrutiny.
Imran Khan’s lawyer Faisal Chaudhry, speaking outside Adiala Jail, accused the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) of acting as a political tool for the government. “NAB’s investigation into the Al-Qadir Trust case is deeply flawed,” he said, reiterating that the charges against Khan and his wife were baseless.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar confirmed that Imran Khan has the right to appeal the conviction, a process that is expected to unfold in the coming weeks. Legal experts, according to the government, have deemed the verdict consistent with established legal standards.
Meanwhile, the PTI plans to mobilize its legal and political machinery to overturn the ruling. The party maintains that the case lacks merit and reflects a broader campaign of political victimization.
