Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s Verdict in Al-Qadir Trust Case Deferred Again to January 17
The highly publicized £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case involving Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi has been delayed for the third time. The accountability court has now rescheduled the verdict announcement for January 17, after previous deferments on December 23, 2024, and January 6, 2025. This high-profile case continues to grab headlines due to its potential impact on Pakistan’s political landscape.
Judge Criticizes No-Show by Accused
Accountability court Judge Nasir Javed expressed disappointment at the absence of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and their defense team. The judge, who had been present in court since early morning, postponed the decision after observing that the accused had not arrived. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecution team and media representatives were present, but the defense team’s absence raised further questions.
Political Motivation Allegations
The repeated deferments in the case have fueled speculations. Imran Khan has previously asserted that the case is politically motivated, designed to pressure him and his party. However, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan dismissed the idea of any deal behind the delays, emphasizing that the case is part of a broader agenda to target the former prime minister.
Statements from Barrister Gohar
Speaking outside Adiala Jail, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan stated that the case against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi is baseless and politically driven. He reiterated that dragging Bushra Bibi into the case is an attempt to exert additional pressure on the former premier. Despite these challenges, Gohar stressed that Imran Khan remains committed to fighting for justice and the protection of Pakistan’s Constitution.
Details of the Al-Qadir Trust Case
The Al-Qadir Trust case centers around allegations of corruption involving a £190 million settlement with the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). According to NAB, Imran Khan and his wife are accused of benefiting from a property tycoon’s wealth in exchange for legal cover provided by the Pakistani government. The deal allegedly included the transfer of valuable land to establish an educational institute under the Al-Qadir Trust.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The case has been ongoing for over a year, with multiple judges presiding over the hearings. Prominent witnesses against Imran Khan include former cabinet members and government officials. Despite securing bail in the case, Imran Khan continues to face significant legal hurdles as he fights the charges against him.
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