Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Convicted in £190m Al-Qadir Trust Case

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Rawalpindi, Pakistan| In a landmark ruling, former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were convicted on Friday in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust corruption case.

The verdict, announced by Judge Nasir Javed Rana in a makeshift courtroom at Adiala Jail, sentenced the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder to 14 years in prison and his spouse to seven years.

The court also imposed fines of Rs. 1 million on Imran Khan and Rs. 500,000 on Bushra Bibi.

The couple had been indicted in February 2024, shortly after the general elections, making this case one of the most high-profile trials in Pakistan’s recent history.

Delayed Verdict and Legal Criticism

The judgment was delayed three times before being delivered at Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan has been detained since August 2023 on unrelated charges.

Speaking outside the prison, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan decried the ruling as “a gross miscarriage of justice” and highlighted what he termed as “two years of judicial bias against the PTI leadership.”

PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry called the decision “politically motivated and embarrassing,” accusing the judiciary of undermining justice.

“We fully condemn this judgment and will challenge it in higher courts,” he said, while also criticizing the role of PML-N leaders in cases involving national assets.

Imran Khan: ‘No Deals, No Compromises

Following his sentencing, Imran Khan, in a statement via his official social media account, rejected any notion of compromise.

“I will neither make any deal nor seek any relief,” he said, pledging to fight against what he described as “tyranny” and a “dictatorial regime.”

In a message to his supporters, he wrote: “I will never accept this dictatorship. I am prepared to remain in prison for as long as it takes in the struggle for the nation’s freedom. I will not compromise on my principles.”

Government’s Stance and Opposition Reactions

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar criticized the PTI’s legal strategy, asserting that the party should have focused on presenting its case in court rather than through media statements.

He emphasized the need for procedural adherence in such high-stakes cases.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif claimed that the £190 million in question represented public funds that had been “illegally transferred” between property tycoon Malik Riaz and Imran Khan.

“This money belonged to the people of Pakistan, and justice has been served today,” he added.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Chairman of Awaam Pakistan, called for national unity to uphold constitutional supremacy.

“The Constitution must reign supreme if Pakistan is to progress,” he urged at a joint press conference in Islamabad, where opposition leaders and senior PTI figures also expressed concerns over judicial integrity.

Supporters Rally Amid Tensions

Outside Adiala Jail, large crowds of PTI supporters gathered to protest the verdict.

Chanting slogans and holding placards, they expressed solidarity with their imprisoned leader.

Security around the prison was heightened to prevent unrest.

PTI leaders, including Barrister Gohar, condemned the court’s decision as “shameful and unjust.”

Gohar maintained that witnesses admitted no illegal funds were involved and that Imran Khan had not personally benefitted from the alleged corruption.

The Case and Its Implications

The Al-Qadir Trust case revolves around accusations that Imran Khan and his wife misused their positions to acquire land and funds worth £190 million from Malik Riaz, one of Pakistan’s most influential businessmen.

The prosecution argued that the transactions deprived Pakistan’s national treasury of significant funds.

The case has highlighted sharp divisions within Pakistan’s political and judicial systems, with PTI leaders accusing the judiciary of bias and political vendettas.

Critics argue that the conviction reflects deeper structural issues in the country’s governance and legal processes.

What Lies Ahead?

Imran Khan’s legal team has vowed to appeal the ruling, and the case is expected to reach Pakistan’s higher courts.

Meanwhile, the former premier’s imprisonment raises questions about the future of the PTI, which has faced significant challenges since his ousting in a no-confidence vote in April 2022.

The verdict, while celebrated by Khan’s political opponents, has also sparked debates about judicial impartiality and the role of accountability in Pakistan’s politics.

As the nation awaits further developments, the Al-Qadir Trust case has become a defining chapter in its turbulent political history.

Watch the video below for more context:

Video credit: Youtube/BBC News|

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