In partnership with
LEgaL wOES dEEPEn fOr PTI fOundEr aS Imran, BuShra COnvICTEd In £190m aL-QadIr TruST CaSE Saturday, 18 January, 2025 I 17 Rajabul Murajjab, 1446
f
g
Profit
COURT IMPOSES FINES OF RS1 MILLION ON IMRAN AND RS500,000 ON BUSHRA BIBI RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
ORMER premier Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi on Friday were convicted in the £190m AlQadir Trust case with the PTI founder being sentenced to 14 years in prison and a seven-year jail term for his wife. Judge Nasir Javed Rana announced the verdict previously delayed three times in a makeshift courtroom at Adiala Jail. The couple was indicted in the case on Feb 27, 2024, shortly after the general elections. Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail ahead of the hearing, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had said: “You can guess the injustice that have occurred over the last two years. “If a fair decision is made, Imran
and Bushra will be acquitted,” he said. The case alleges that Imran and Bushra Bibi obtained billions of rupees and land worth hundreds of kanals from Bahria Town Ltd for legalising Rs50 billion that was identified and returned to the country by the United Kingdom during the previous PTI government. On December 23 — the original date the verdict was supposed to be announced — an Islamabad accountability court postponed its verdict in the case until Jan 6 due to winter vacations. On January 6, the decision could not be pronounced as Judge Nasir Javed Rana, who has been hearing the case, was on leave. In the subsequent hearing on Jan 13, the judge cited the reason for the delay as Imran and Bushra’s failure to appear before his accountability court at the
Defense failed to counter evidence in £190m scam, says Tarar ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Friday criticized the defense counsel in the £190 million corruption case, claiming they failed to counter evidence presented by the prosecution. Speaking to the media outside Parliament House, Tarar termed the case one of the largest corruption scandals in Pakistan’s history. He alleged that the defense team focused on political rhetoric rather than presenting substantive evidence to prove the innocence of the accused, including Pakistan
Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. “The judge, in the verdict, clearly stated that the defense counsel could not provide evidence to refute the prosecution’s proofs of bribery, corruption, and misuse of authority,” Tarar said. Highlighting the scandal’s details, Tarar stated that the funds in question were confiscated by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and returned to Pakistan. However, he accused the PTI leadership of diverting the recovered amount back to the person it was initially seized from, calling this move a blatant misuse of power.
SC deliberates upon legal, constitutional complexities surrounding trials of civilians in military courts ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Supreme Court of Pakistan’s Constitutional Bench has remarked about the legal and constitutional complexities surrounding the trials of civilians in military courts over their alleged involvement in the May 9 attacks. The seven-judge bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard the appeals challenging the military trial process. Justice Jamal Mandokhail emphasised that crimes committed during the May 9 incidents cannot be denied, but the critical issue remains the jurisdiction of the trials. “The question is not whether a crime occurred, but where the trial should be conducted,” Justice Mandokhail remarked. The discussion centred on the 21st Amendment, which established the framework for military courts. Justice Mandokhail pointed out that the amendment specifically prohibits political parties’ cases from being tried in military courts, raising concerns about the application of the Army Act to civilians. Defending the government’s position, Khawaja Haris, counsel for the Defence Ministry, argued that the Army Act and its rules ensure a fair trial process. He cited past cases, including the Supreme Court’s Liaqat Hussain verdict, to justify the use of military courts. However, the bench sought clarification on whether this aligns with constitutional principles. Justice Musarrat Hilali highlighted the public fear and chaos during the May 9 events, including incidents of arson, looting, and attacks on government properties. She questioned the outcome of trials for crimes such as theft and property damage that are unrelated to military installations. Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi drew attention to the severity of the attacks, citing the torching of the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence and coordinated assaults across multiple cities. “These were not ordinary protests but targeted attacks against state security,” he said, referencing evidence presented by the Defence Ministry, including photographs of the destruction. The Defence Ministry argued that military courts focus on cases involving violence against sensitive and restricted areas. However, Justice Rizvi questioned whether the civilians involved were granted their full constitutional rights, including access to appeal mechanisms. Justice Ayesha Malik expressed reservations about specific provisions of the Army Act, such as Sections 2(1)(d)(1) and 2(1)(d)(2), arguing they may conflict with fair trial principles. She questioned whether adequate notice and representation were provided to civilians tried under these sections. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar raised additional questions about the dual jurisdiction of military and civilian courts. He inquired whether offences involving both military personnel and civilians are tried separately and whether the evidence provided distinguishes between criminal intent and political dissent.
g
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 193 I 8 Pages I Karachi Edition
AL-QADIR UNIVERSITY PROJECT TRUST FORFEITED TO FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Adiala Jail. Imran was incarcerated in 2023 in a series of legal cases, which he claims were “politically motivated”. Last year, he was acquitted in the Toshakhana and Iddat cases but was newly charged in the Toshakhana 2 case.
In December 2023, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had filed a corruption reference against Imran and seven others, including his wife, in connection with the AlQadir University Trust. The reference filed by NAB al-
ISLAMABAD
meeting, Chaudhry also revealed that Bushra Bibi expressed her unwavering support for Khan, saying: “I stand with him and will continue to do so.” He also confirmed that Bushra Bibi would soon be shifted to a cell in Adiala Jail. Chaudhry, however, remained optimistic, asserting: “We will win this match. This is a match for justice and fairness in the country, and Imran Khan will emerge victorious.” An accountability court in Islamabad — after delaying the verdict three times — convicted the PTI founder and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the £190 million case.
Imran Khan vows to ‘endure imprisonment’, calls for upholding rule of law STAFF REPORT
After the court’s verdict in the £190 million reference, former prime minister Imran Khan reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law, declaring that he would endure imprisonment for as long as necessary. This was disclosed by his lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, following a meeting with Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, at Adiala jail, moments after the court awarded the couple years-long imprisonment. Speaking to the media after the
Outdated cargo tracking systems to be replaced in Karachi and key hubs
leged that Imran, who is currently in jail, played a “pivotal role in the illicit transfer of funds meant for the state of Pakistan into an account designated for the payment of land by Bahria Town, Karachi”. It also claimed that despite being given multiple opportunities to justify and provide information, the accused deliberately, with mala fide intention, refused to give information on one pretext or another. Property tycoon Malik Riaz Hussain and his son Ahmed Ali Riaz, Mirza Shehzad Akbar, and Zulfi Bukhari are also among the suspects in this reference, but instead of joining the investigation and subsequent court proceedings, they absconded and were subsequently declared proclaimed offenders (PO). Farhat Shahzadi, a close friend of Imran’s spouse, and Ziaul
Mustafa Nasim, a legal expert for the PTI government’s Assets Recovery Unit, were also declared POs. Subsequently, the properties of all six accused had been frozen. As per the reference, Riaz’s son transferred 240 kanals of land to Shahzadi, while Bukhari received land under a trust, which NAB argued did not exist at the time of the transfer. The prosecution further alleged that a trust was created only after the adjustment of £190m, raising doubts about its legitimacy and purpose. In July 2024, Pervez Khattak, a key PTI leader back then who parted ways with the party in 2023 following the May 9 riots, testified before a court that he was a participant in the December 2019 meeting, where then-accountability adviser Mirza Shahzad Akbar produced a confidential deed in a sealed envelope for cabinet approval.
RAWALPINDI
Khan and Bushra Bibi were present Bushra Bibi was awarded seven years imprisonment. The court also imposed fines of Rs1 million and Rs500,000 on Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi respectively. Both individuals would have to face additional prison time if they fail to pay the fines. Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi would have to face additional face six-month and three-month imprisonments in case of non-payment. Bushra Bibi was taken into custody from the courtroom in Rawalpindi. The accountability court also ordered to take Al-Qadir University into government custody.
Bushra Bibi arrested after conviction in £190 million case STAFF REPORT
Former first lady, Bushra Bibi, was taken into custody following conviction in a £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case. Bushra Bibi reached Adiala Jail to join her incarcerated husband as the NAB court was scheduled to pronounce its verdict in the Toshakhana-II case. An Accountability Court awarded a 14-year jail term to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in a £190 million AlQadir Trust case. Judge Nasir Javed Rana pronounced the verdict at Adiala Jail where accused Imran
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the installation of an international-standard cargo scanning system in Karachi and other major trading hubs to combat smuggling and enhance trade transparency. Chairing a review meeting on transit cargo and tracking systems on Friday, the prime minister emphasized replacing outdated tracking and scanning systems with advanced technology. He also instructed third-party validation of the quality of services provided by cargo tracking entities. The prime minister noted that improved tracking systems had already led to a significant reduction in smuggling. He highlighted the success of measures taken to curb smuggling, which facilitated sugar
exports worth $211 million to Afghanistan. PM Shehbaz underlined the importance of developing an integrated communication system and enhanced cargo tracking to position Pakistan as a central hub for transit trade in the region.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and other senior government representatives.
cumbed to his injuries, along with six drivers and two passengers who were also killed during the assault. The convoy, comprising 35 vehicles carrying essential goods for the residents of Parachinar, was ambushed by attackers. In response, security personnel escorting the convoy engaged the assailants, resulting in six attackers being killed and ten others injured. However, communication was lost with the drivers of 29 vehicles, and many were left stranded. Some vehicles managed to make it to safety
in Thall, Hangu district. Further details shared by the DHO revealed that the bodies of a driver and a passenger were found dismembered and transported to Lower Alizai, while four other drivers were discovered in the Udawali area with signs of torture and gunshot wounds. Their bodies were subsequently taken to Alizai Hospital. The family members of the victims told Dawn.com that they had been in contact with the drivers until 1 am, but communication ceased after that time. Nazir Ahmad, the president of the Parachinar Trade Union, reported that 20 trucks in the convoy were burned and looted, while only one truck reached Parachinar after delivering its cargo. The ongoing violence, which has been exacerbated by longstanding land disputes in the region, has claimed over 130 lives since November. The conflict has led to severe shortages of food and medicine due to road blockages. Despite a peace agreement being signed on January 1, the route to Parachinar remains blocked, and tensions continue to mount.
Kurram convoy ambush claims 10 lives, including security personnel
KURRAM STAFF REPORT
The death toll from Thursday’s attack on a supply convoy traveling to Parachinar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district has now reached 10, according to District Health Officer (DHO) Qaiser Abbas. The attack, which occurred in the Bagan area, initially claimed the life of one security official and left four others injured. As of Friday, one more security official has suc-
Pakistan makes history with launch of indigenous Electro-Optical Satellite RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan on Friday launched Pakistan’s Indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) Satellite. The launch of Pakistan’s EO-1 Satellite marks a momentous milestone in Pakistan’s space journey. The EO-1 satellite offers substantial benefits across various sectors in Pakistan. In agriculture, it will enable precision farming by monitoring crops, assessing irrigation needs, predicting yields, and supporting food security initiatives. For urban development planning, the satellite will assist in tracking infrastructure growth and, managing urban sprawl. In environmental monitoring and disaster management, it will provide timely updates on floods, landslides, earthquakes, deforestation, and land erosion. Additionally, it will support monitoring of minerals, oil and gas fields, glacier recession, and water resources. This achievement is set to position advanced space technology capabilities at the forefront of national progress and development, aligning with the goals of National Space Policy. Deputy Prime Minister (DMP) and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday termed the successful launch of Pakistan’s indigenous electrooptical (EO-1) satellite a significant achievement in Pakistan’s space journey. The DPM took to X for stating a heartfelt felicitation message for the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) for achieving the milestone. Senator Ishaq Dar said that this achievement was poised to enhance the country’s ability to monitor natural resources, predict and respond to natural disasters, support food security through precision cropping, and drive economic growth through informed decision making. “I congratulate Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) on launching Pakistan’s indigenous electro-optical satellite today. Launch of indigenously manufactured EO Satellite is a testament to SUPARCO’s expertise and Government of Pakistan commitment to pursue space technology for peaceful purposes,” he said.