Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were convicted on Friday in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case. A special accountability court sentenced Khan to 14 years and Bushra Bibi to seven years in prison, along with fines of Rs1 million and Rs500,000, respectively.
Judge Nasir Javed Rana announced the much-anticipated verdict in a makeshift courtroom inside Adiala Jail, where Khan is currently incarcerated. The hearing took place under tight security. Bushra Bibi was arrested immediately following the verdict.
Case Background
The Al-Qadir Trust case alleges that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi accepted billions of rupees and land from Bahria Town Ltd to facilitate the legalization of Rs50 billion, which had been returned to Pakistan by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) during Khan’s tenure as prime minister.
In December 2023, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed corruption charges against Imran Khan, his wife, and seven others. The prosecution argued that funds meant for the state were illicitly transferred to private accounts linked to Bahria Town’s land deals. The case also involved prominent property tycoon Malik Riaz and other high-profile figures, some of whom were declared absconders.
Timeline of Legal Proceedings
- December 2023: NAB filed a reference against Khan and the co-accused, including allegations of creating the Al-Qadir Trust only after the disputed funds were adjusted.
- February 2024: Khan and Bushra Bibi were formally indicted.
- December 2024: The verdict was postponed due to winter vacations and other delays.
- January 17, 2025: The court delivered its final judgment.
Witness Testimonies
Key testimonies included that of Pervez Khattak, a former PTI leader, and Azam Khan, Imran’s former principal secretary. Both revealed details about how the confidential deed facilitating the fund transfer was approved in a cabinet meeting without full disclosure to ministers.
Reactions and Implications
Ahead of the verdict, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan expressed hope for a fair trial, insisting that the case was politically motivated. Following the announcement, PTI supporters have called for legal reviews and public demonstrations, asserting that the judgment is part of a broader campaign against the party and its leadership.
The conviction represents a significant setback for Khan, who has faced multiple legal challenges since his ousting in 2023. His political fortunes now hang in the balance as he serves time in prison while his party grapples with its future direction.
Broader Context
This case has added to the growing list of controversies surrounding Khan’s tenure as prime minister. It underscores ongoing scrutiny of high-profile figures in Pakistan’s political and business elite, as the country continues its battle against corruption and mismanagement of public funds.
The convictions also raise questions about the legal framework and political environment in Pakistan, with supporters and critics debating whether the proceedings were fair or politically motivated.
Further appeals are expected in higher courts, as Khan’s legal team prepares to challenge the verdict.
