Islamabad High Court Steps In: Appeals Trigger Legal Showdown
In a dramatic development In Pakistan’s political and legal landscape, The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued Notices to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and other parties following appeals filed by Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. The Couple is Seeking the Suspension Of their Convictions In the Controversial £190 million corruption case. A Hearing is scheduled for the coming Week..
A High Profile Conviction
On January 17, 2025′ an accountability court sentenced Imran Khan to 14 years and Bushra Bibi to 7 years in prison.. The convictions stemmed from a complex legal dispute over a £190 million settlement involving UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and real estate magnate ‘Malik Riaz Hussain. The funds’ initially earmarked for repatriation to the Supreme Court of Pakistan’ were allegedly redirected to the ‘Al-Qadir University’ Trust.
Also Read : Rs100 Prize Bond Draw May 2025: See the Top Winners and Full Results from Sialkot’s 50th Lucky Draw!
What the Defense is Arguing
The Defense team mounted a Robust legal rebuttal.. Key arguments include:
- Funds Not Criminal in Origin: The Defense cited a 2021 ruling by the UK Court of Appeal asserting that the £190 million was not classified as criminal proceeds..
- Lack of Evidence: NAB Allegedly failed to Present corroborating Witnesses or direct testimony from the NCA..
- Unverified Documentation: The confidentiality deed cited by NAB was described as unverified and lacking forensic support..
- No Personal Gain: ”Imran Khan” argued that the funds were deposited into the legally registered Al-Qadir University Trust and neither he nor his wife benefited personally..
Bushra Bibi’s legal Counsel Emphasized the Politically Motivated Nature of the charges and pointed to testimony from the Trust’s CFO confirming no personal financial gain.
Politics At Play Selective Accountability ?
The Case has Added fuel to Allegations of political victimization.. The defense suggested NAB Was Acting Selectively by Focusing on Imran Khan While ignoring other Individuals Reportedly linked to the fund transfer. PTI’s legal representative, Barrister Syed Ali Zafar, noted That while media speculation continues About Negotiations between PTI and the Federal Government, any talks remain private And Unofficial.