The verdict in the high-profile £190 million corruption case against former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, has been delayed for the third time. The Accountability Court has rescheduled the announcement for January 17, 2025.
Delayed Proceedings
Despite prior notice, neither the accused nor their legal representatives appeared at the hearing, prompting Judge Nasir Javed Rana to explain that the delay on January 6 was due to his training commitments. The court emphasized that the accused were given multiple opportunities throughout the trial.
Read More: Decision in £190 Million Case Involving Imran Khan Postponed Again
The £190 Million Case
The case revolves around allegations of financial impropriety involving Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, who are accused of facilitating a quid-pro-quo arrangement benefiting real estate tycoon Malik Riaz. In exchange for land donated to Khan’s Al-Qadir Trust University, Khan allegedly helped Malik Riaz recover £190 million (approximately Rs. 50 billion) seized by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA).
According to Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB), these funds, instead of being deposited into the national treasury, were used to settle Malik Riaz’s personal liabilities.
Timeline of Events
- December 2019: Imran Khan’s cabinet reportedly approved transferring the NCA-seized funds to Malik Riaz under a settlement related to the Bahria Town Karachi case.
- October 2022: NAB launches an investigation into the case.
- December 2023: NAB files a reference in the Accountability Court.
- February 2024: Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are indicted.
- December 2024: The verdict was reserved but postponed multiple times.
Witnesses and Developments
The prosecution presented 35 witnesses, including statements from key figures like Azam Khan and Pervez Khattak. However, 24 witnesses were later dropped, and six co-accused, including Mirza Shahzad Akbar, remain absconders.
Political and Financial Implications
The case is critical for Imran Khan’s political career, with allegations of corruption undermining his anti-corruption stance. Governor funds’ mismanagement and secrecy in the case have raised public concerns.
As the next court date looms, the verdict could have significant repercussions for Pakistan’s political and judicial landscape.
