Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Sentenced in £190 Million Al-Qadir Trust Case
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, face prison sentences following convictions in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case. The case, revolving around allegations of corruption and misuse of authority, has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s political landscape.
The Verdict and Sentences
In a high-profile judgment, Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana sentenced Imran Khan to 14 years and Bushra Bibi to 7 years in prison. The court also imposed fines—Rs 1 million for Khan and Rs 0.5 million for Bushra. Failure to pay these fines could extend their sentences by six months and three months, respectively.
The verdict, announced after multiple delays, was delivered in a makeshift courtroom inside Adiala Jail, where stringent security arrangements were in place.
Key Highlights from the Case
- Charges Against the Couple:
- Imran Khan was convicted under sections of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999, for corrupt practices and misuse of authority.
- Bushra Bibi was found guilty of aiding and abetting corrupt activities.
- Impact on the Al-Qadir Trust University:
The court directed that the Al-Qadir Trust University, previously under the couple’s name, be transferred to the federal government. - Prosecution’s Stand:
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) built a strong case using documentary evidence deemed credible and consistent. The defense failed to create reasonable doubt, leading to the conviction. - Appeal Process:
Copies of the judgment were provided to the convicted couple, allowing them to file an appeal against the decision.
Enhanced Security Measures
The announcement of the verdict brought heightened security in and around Adiala Jail. Rawalpindi police implemented a comprehensive plan involving elite forces, additional personnel from six police stations, and female officers for operational oversight.
The Al-Qadir Trust Controversy
The case centers around allegations that in 2019, during Khan’s tenure as prime minister, £190 million recovered by Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) was diverted improperly. Instead of being transferred to Pakistan’s national exchequer, the funds were allegedly funneled into the Al-Qadir Trust, benefitting a property tycoon.
This trust, established shortly after the funds were received, raised concerns of providing legal cover to what the prosecution termed “black money.” High-profile names associated with the trust, including PTI members Zulfi Bukhari and Farah Gogi, were also implicated.
Witness Testimonies and Judicial Proceedings
Throughout the year-long trial, several key witnesses, including former cabinet members and Khan’s principal secretary, provided crucial testimonies. These accounts highlighted procedural irregularities and lack of transparency in the approval of the NCA settlement.
The trial faced frequent judicial reshuffling, with four different judges presiding over various stages of the case. Notably, multiple co-accused were declared absconders, with their assets frozen by the court.
A Turning Point in Pakistan’s Political Landscape
The Al-Qadir Trust case marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s anti-corruption efforts. For Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, it represents a dramatic fall from grace, casting a shadow over their political and personal legacy.
As the couple prepares to file appeals, the case continues to dominate headlines, raising broader questions about accountability and governance in the country.
