The much-anticipated verdict in the Al-Qadir Trust Case, also known as the 190 million pound case, was finally announced today. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to 14 years in prison alongside a fine of Rs 1 million. His wife, Bushra Bibi, has received a 7-year sentence with a fine of Rs 500,000.
Courtroom Proceedings
Judge Nasir Javed Rana of the Accountability Court presided over the case and delivered the verdict in the presence of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and their legal teams. Imran Khan’s lawyers, Salman Safdar and Salman Akram Raja, along with PTI Chairman Barrister Ali Gohar, actively involved in the proceedings. A three-member prosecution team from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was also present in the courtroom.
Bushra Bibi’s daughter Mubashra and her son-in-law attended the hearing. The court additionally ordered the transfer of Al-Qadir University to the state as part of its ruling.
Timeline of the Al-Qadir Trust Case
Imran Khan taken into custody by NAB on November 13, 2023, over alleged irregularities in the Al-Qadir Trust. He and Bushra Bibi interrogated for 17 days in Adiala Jail. The case gained momentum after NAB filed a reference on December 1, 2023, and formal charges brought against the couple on February 27, 2024.
Key witnesses included former cabinet members Pervez Khattak and Zubaida Jalal, ex-principal secretary Azam Khan, and the Chief Financial Officer of Al-Qadir University. Six co-accused, including Zulfi Bukhari and Farhat Shahzadi, declared absconders, with the court ordering the freezing of their assets and accounts.
Previous Delays in Verdict Announcement
The court had previously adjourned the case when the accused failed to appear, delaying the verdict until January 17, 2025. The final decision marks a significant development in Pakistan’s political and legal landscape.
Stay tuned for updates as the story unfolds.
