ISLAMABAD: In a high-profile corruption case that has gripped the nation, former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were convicted by an accountability court on Friday in relation to the £190 million scandal involving the Al-Qadir Trust. After a lengthy trial and several delays, Judge Nasir Javed Rana of the Accountability Court in Islamabad handed down a 14-year prison sentence to Imran Khan and a seven-year sentence to Bushra Bibi, who was also taken into custody immediately following the verdict.

The case, which centered on charges of corrupt practices and misuse of authority, saw the PTI founder and his wife accused of illegally benefiting from funds originating from the National Crime Agency (NCA) in the UK. The money, originally linked to a Pakistani property tycoon whose assets were seized by the NCA, was meant to be returned to the Pakistani government as part of a settlement. However, authorities alleged that the funds were diverted and funneled into the Al-Qadir Trust.

Heavy Fines and Jail Sentences

Along with their prison terms, Imran Khan was slapped with a fine of Rs 1 million, while Bushra Bibi was fined Rs 0.5 million. In the event they fail to pay the fines, Khan will face an additional six months behind bars, and his wife will serve another three months in prison. The couple’s immediate arrest follows a string of developments in the case, with Bushra Bibi’s cell reportedly prepared in advance at Adiala Jail.

Both Khan and Bushra were convicted under the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) of 1999, with Khan facing charges under Section 9(a)(ii)(iv)(vi) for corruption and corrupt practices. Bushra Bibi, for her part, was convicted under Section 9(a)(xii) for aiding and abetting these practices. While Bushra’s role was considered less direct, it was nonetheless deemed significant enough for conviction, though her sentencing was mitigated by her relative involvement in the criminal activities.

Al-Qadir Trust and the £190 Million Allegations

The £190 million case, also referred to as the Al-Qadir Trust scandal, revolves around a financial settlement brokered by the then-Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2019. The settlement concerned the funds from the NCA, which had been confiscated from a Pakistani property tycoon. It is alleged that the funds were diverted under the guise of the Al-Qadir Trust, which was later registered in the names of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and Farah Gogi, a close associate of Bushra.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) initiated an investigation into the matter after reports surfaced of the NCA’s involvement, with allegations that the money was illegally funneled into a trust connected to the PTI leadership. The investigation further claims that former cabinet members, including Zulfi Bukhari and Babar Awan, were complicit in the dealings. Evidence presented during the trial suggested that several key figures within Khan’s government were involved in orchestrating the illegal transfer of funds into the Trust.

A String of Witnesses and Legal Proceedings

The trial, which spanned over a year, saw several high-profile witnesses testify. Among them were former cabinet ministers Pervez Khattak and Zubaida Jalal, as well as former principal secretary Azam Khan. Khattak testified about a sealed document describing the agreement between the Pakistani government and the NCA, and Azam Khan corroborated this statement. Zubaida Jalal added that the cabinet was not informed about the transfer of “proceeds of crime” to the property tycoon, a key point in the case.

In total, six co-accused individuals, including Malik Riaz, Zulfi Bukhari, Farah Gogi, and Mirza Shahzad Akbar, were declared absconders, and the court ordered the freezing of their assets and bank accounts. Imran Khan had submitted a list of 16 witnesses, though the court denied the request to summon them, citing the overwhelming evidence against the accused.

Political Repercussions and Calls for Appeal

Imran Khan’s conviction is a significant blow to his political career. The former Prime Minister has denounced the verdict as politically motivated and has vowed to challenge it in the higher courts. PTI leadership, including senior figures such as Gohar Khan, have termed the conviction a “black day” for Pakistan, reiterating their claims that the case is part of a broader campaign to discredit and neutralize political opponents.

The political fallout from the verdict is expected to be far-reaching, with potential consequences for PTI’s future in Pakistani politics. Imran Khan’s supporters, who have already staged violent protests following his previous arrest, are likely to rally around their leader once again, as the opposition continues to challenge the government’s handling of the case.

Security Concerns and Courtroom Drama

Given the high-profile nature of the case, security around Adiala Jail was significantly heightened on the day of the verdict. The Rawalpindi police had deployed an extensive security arrangement, with plainclothes officers stationed to monitor the situation. Female police officers were also involved in overseeing the security measures. These measures were taken to ensure that there were no disruptions or protests following the court’s decision.

Final Thoughts

As Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi begin their respective prison sentences, the Al-Qadir Trust case remains a contentious issue in Pakistan’s political landscape. The political implications of this conviction will be felt across the country, with both the ruling government and the opposition bracing for further legal battles in the coming months. The challenge ahead for Imran Khan will be to mount a successful appeal while contending with the growing pressure on his political future.