Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have filed appeals with the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against their convictions and fines in the £190 million corruption case, handed down by an accountability court.
The appeals, submitted by their legal representative Khalid Yousuf, argue that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) misused its authority and failed to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
Details of the Appeal
The defense team contended that the accountability court’s decision was hasty, unjust, and based on incomplete evidence. They highlighted that the NAB failed to procure the agreement details from the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and did not involve NCA officials in their investigation. The prosecution was also accused of failing to provide critical evidence.
The petition requested the IHC annul the convictions issued on January 17, 2025, and called for the acquittal of both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.
Accountability Court Ruling
On January 17, 2025, Accountability Judge Nasir Javed Rana sentenced Imran Khan to 14 years in prison and imposed a significant fine. Bushra Bibi received a seven-year prison term along with hefty fines.
Background of the £190 Million Case
The case revolves around allegations that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi facilitated undue benefits for real estate tycoon Malik Riaz in exchange for land donated to the Al-Qadir Trust University. Malik Riaz donated 458 kanals and 4 marlas of land in Jhelum to the trust.
NAB alleged that Imran Khan, as prime minister, authorized a deal allowing Malik Riaz to recover Rs 50 billion from the NCA, which had previously confiscated the amount over money laundering allegations. The recovered funds, however, were not deposited into Pakistan’s national treasury but were reportedly used to settle Riaz’s personal debt under a Supreme Court settlement related to the Bahria Town Karachi case.
Legal Proceedings and Timeline
- December 3, 2019: Imran Khan’s cabinet allegedly approved the decision to transfer the £190 million to Malik Riaz under a settlement agreement.
- October 2022: NAB launched an investigation into the funds’ handling.
- December 1, 2023: NAB filed a reference in the accountability court.
- February 27, 2024: Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were indicted.
- January 13, 2025: The court postponed the verdict.
- January 17, 2025: Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were convicted.
Witnesses and Absconders
The case involved 35 witnesses, though 24 were later dropped. Key prosecution witnesses included former government officials Azam Khan, Pervez Khattak, and Zubaida Jalal. Six co-accused, including Mirza Shahzad Akbar and Farhat Shahzadi, were declared absconders.
Political and Financial Implications
The case has significant implications for Imran Khan’s political career and his stance on anti-corruption reforms. Critics argue the case underscores financial mismanagement and the misuse of state resources, while the defense asserts the accusations are politically motivated.
