Verdict Delayed in £190M Case Against Imran Khan

For nearly a month, the decision in the £190 million case against former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, has faced repeated delays.

Initially reserved on December 18, the verdict was expected on December 23, then January 6, and again on January 13, but it was not announced.

On Monday, January 13, reporters gathered outside Adiala Jail as the decision was strongly anticipated to be announced at 11 a.m.

However, despite the arrival of Judge Nasir Javed at the jail at around 8:30 a.m., the case faced yet another delay, leaving observers questioning why this has occurred repeatedly.

Court Proceedings on Monday

Judge Nasir Javed arrived early at 8:30 a.m., but neither the defendants nor their legal representatives were present, as they were informed the verdict would be announced at 11 a.m.

The judge instructed the jail authorities to summon Imran Khan to the courtroom, but despite repeated calls, the former Prime Minister did not appear.

Prosecution teams were present, but Bushra Bibi, the co-accused in the case, was also absent. Addressing journalists in the courtroom, Judge Javed remarked, “The decision is written and in my hands, with my signature. However, I am postponing its announcement to January 17 because neither the defendants nor their lawyers are present.”

Concerns Over Delays

The continuous postponement has raised concerns within both government and opposition circles.

Barrister Gohar, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) representative, accused the trial court of bias, stating that the delays reflect prejudice against Imran Khan.

He claimed PTI does not expect fair treatment from the trial court and vowed to appeal to higher courts if the verdict is unfavorable.

Meanwhile, government representatives, including Senator Talal Chaudhry of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), dismissed allegations of government interference, calling the case an “open-and-shut” matter with irrefutable evidence.

Background of the Case

The £190 million case, also known as the Al-Qadir Trust case, involves allegations that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi misused their positions for personal benefit.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) alleges that a secret agreement was reached between the Bahria Town housing society and the PTI government, resulting in £190 million transferred from the UK to Pakistan being adjusted against Bahria Town’s Supreme Court-ordered liability of PKR 460 billion.

Additionally, the NAB claims Bahria Town donated over 458 kanals of land for the Al-Qadir Trust, of which Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are trustees.

The prosecution alleges the transaction was a bribe disguised as a donation.

Legal and Political Ramifications

Observers believe the delays cast doubts on judicial integrity, potentially undermining public trust.

Former NAB Deputy Prosecutor General Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta noted that repeated postponements harm the credibility of the judiciary.

Senior journalist Hamid Mir opined that such delays are being exploited for political bargaining, further complicating the situation.

He suggested that the case, irrespective of its outcome, could politically benefit Imran Khan by bolstering his popularity.

The verdict is now expected on January 17, leaving many to speculate whether it will finally be announced or face another delay.