The Accountability Court of Islamabad has sentenced Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), to 14 years in prison and fined him Rs1 million in the £190 million reference case. His wife, Bushra Bibi, has also been sentenced to seven years in prison with a Rs500,000 fine. The court has ordered the confiscation of the land belonging to Al-Qadir University, placing it at the government’s disposal.
The verdict, announced by Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana at Adiala Jail, found Imran Khan guilty of corruption under Section 10A of the NAB Ordinance 1999. The court stated that the former prime minister was involved in corruption, and Bushra Bibi was found guilty of aiding and abetting her husband’s crime.
The prosecution’s case was based on solid documentary evidence, which the defense lawyers could not challenge. The court noted that the testimonies of several witnesses, including the investigating officer, were consistent and coherent, leading to the conviction of the accused.
Following the verdict, PTI leadership condemned the decision, calling it politically motivated and vowing to appeal in higher courts. Opposition leader Omar Ayub labeled the ruling a “dark day” in Pakistan’s judicial history, questioning the connection between the funds involved and the PTI leadership. Shibli Faraz argued that neither Khan nor Bushra Bibi benefited from the alleged transactions and criticized the system for punishing sincere leaders while those who looted the country walk free.
Legal experts have expressed mixed reactions to the verdict. The £190 million case revolves around allegations that funds returned to Pakistan by the UK’s National Crime Agency were misused for personal benefit instead of being deposited into the national treasury. The verdict is expected to garner sympathy for Imran Khan, as his supporters view the decision as part of a broader political vendetta against him.
