A two-judge bench reviewed a petition seeking the submission of records from NAB’s earlier decision to close the case.
IHC Temporarily Halts Verdict in £190 Million Corruption Case Involving Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi
On Monday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued a temporary stay, preventing the trial court from delivering its final judgment in the high-profile £190 million corruption case involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. The case, which has attracted widespread attention due to its political and financial implications, has now seen a significant development with the IHC’s intervention.
The Court’s Decision
The IHC’s decision to halt the verdict came after a petition filed by Imran Khan requested the submission of records from the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) previous decision to close the case. This petition was heard by a two-judge bench comprising Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb and Justice Babar Sattar, who presided over the session.
During the hearing, Barrister Salman Safdar, representing Imran Khan, emphasized the need for the NAB records to be reviewed, as they pertain to a crucial aspect of the case’s history. He pointed out that the case initially included eight accused individuals, six of whom are currently at large. The remaining two, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, have consistently denied the allegations against them.
Key Points Raised in Court
Barrister Safdar informed the court that 35 witnesses have so far testified in the trial, with the cross-examination of the final witness still ongoing. This detailed testimony has been central to the case, as it involves significant financial transactions and the acquisition of land, which NAB alleges were obtained unlawfully.
Justice Hassan, one of the presiding judges, raised a pertinent question during the session: whether the trust responsible for establishing the university, linked to the case, was officially registered. Barrister Safdar confirmed the trust’s registration and assured the court that additional relevant documents would be provided at the next hearing. This point is crucial, as it relates directly to the legality and transparency of the financial dealings under scrutiny.
The court, however, issued a stern warning to Barrister Safdar, cautioning him against any attempts to delay the proceedings. The judges made it clear that the stay order on the trial court’s judgment could be revoked if they suspected any deliberate stalling tactics. This underscores the IHC’s intention to ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done without unnecessary delays.
Immediate Outcomes and Future Proceedings
Following the arguments presented, the IHC decided to restrain the trial court from announcing its verdict and directed NAB to submit its response by Wednesday. This directive emphasizes the court’s commitment to thoroughly reviewing all aspects of the case before any final judgment is rendered. Importantly, the IHC also emphasized that the trial should continue as scheduled, signaling that the stay is a temporary measure and not an indefinite postponement.
Background of the £190 Million Case
The origins of this case date back to March 2023, when NAB initiated an inquiry into the Al-Qadir University Trust, now referred to as the £190 million corruption case. The inquiry was upgraded to a full investigation on April 28, following initial findings that raised serious concerns about the legitimacy of the financial transactions involved.
According to NAB’s allegations, Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, received large sums of money and extensive tracts of land from Malik Riaz, a well-known property tycoon associated with Bahria Town. The transactions in question were allegedly made in exchange for Rs50 billion, a sum that had been part of a settlement with the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). This amount was later adjusted against a fine imposed on Malik Riaz by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, further complicating the legal and ethical dimensions of the case.
Significant Legal Developments
In May of the previous year, Imran Khan faced a dramatic arrest by Rangers at the IHC premises while he was seeking bail in several FIRs filed against him. This incident, which added to the political tensions surrounding the case, was later declared lawful by the IHC, despite the controversy it sparked at the time.
More recently, in February, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were formally charged in the £190 million corruption reference by NAB during a hearing held at the Adiala Jail accountability court. Both defendants have steadfastly denied the allegations, maintaining that the charges are politically motivated and lack substantive evidence.
Conclusion
The IHC’s decision to halt the trial court’s verdict marks a critical juncture in the ongoing £190 million corruption case against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. As the case progresses, with further hearings and the submission of NAB’s records, it remains to be seen how the legal battle will unfold. The involvement of high-profile figures and the substantial sums of money in question ensure that this case will continue to be a focal point in Pakistan’s legal and political landscape.
The temporary stay issued by the IHC reflects the judiciary’s cautious approach to ensuring that all relevant evidence is thoroughly examined before a final judgment is made. As the proceedings continue, the eyes of the nation will remain fixed on this case, which has far-reaching implications for the rule of law and governance in Pakistan.