Islamabad, Pakistan—January 12, 2025: The accountability court in Islamabad is expected to deliver its Al-Qadir Trust Case verdict on January 13, 2025, in the highly anticipated £190 million (approximately 41 billion PKR) scandal case involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. The case has sparked intense scrutiny, not just for its financial magnitude but also for the involvement of real estate magnate Malik Riaz of Bahria Town.
The trial has already seen over 100 hearings. Significant evidence and witness testimony suggest corruption, misuse of authority, and personal gain. The court proceedings have been delayed due to Judge Nasser Javed Rana’s leave, but the final ruling is expected tomorrow.
The £190 Million Quid-Pro-Quo Deal
This case involves the £190 million that was laundered to the United Kingdom and subsequently recovered by the National Crime Agency (NCA). Rather than being returned to Pakistan’s Treasury, the money was allegedly funneled back to Malik Riaz, with the funds being used to settle a separate scandal worth PKR 465 billion involving Bahria Town’s illegal land acquisitions.
This entire transaction initially presented as a state-to-state deal between the UK and Pakistan, has now come under heavy scrutiny. Key evidence suggests that the funds were instead diverted to Bahria Town and used to resolve Malik Riaz’s ongoing legal issues, with legal cover provided by routing the money through the Supreme Court’s bank account.
The involvement of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in securing land deals in exchange for facilitating the transfer of the £190 million has raised further questions about their motives. 458 Kanal of land for Al-Qadir University and another 240 Kanal in Mohra, Islamabad, are believed to have been secured as part of this quid-pro-quo arrangement.
Legal Proceedings and Allegations Against Imran Khan
In a significant development, the Islamabad High Court had earlier dismissed the bail plea of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in the case, and ordered the trial court to hear the case further. On February 27, 2024, charges were formally leveled against the former Prime Minister and his wife. The investigation has revealed that the £190 million was actually state money but was unlawfully returned to Malik Riaz.
Furthermore, the 2019 deal between Malik Riaz and Imran Khan’s government was reportedly negotiated with the aim of settling Bahria Town’s fine of PKR 460 billion for illegal land encroachments. The National Crime Agency had also imposed a $200 million fine on Malik Riaz in the UK, which was subsequently agreed to be returned to Pakistan.
At the time, Shahzad Akbar, who was Khan’s special advisor, publicly stated that no legal action would be taken due to the involvement of the UK government in the matter. A press release from the PM Office revealed that the Assets Recovery Unit (ARU) had facilitated the return of £190 million through a settlement, which was meant to be deposited in Pakistan’s accounts, not diverted for personal gain.
Malik Riaz’s Role and the Al-Qadir Trust
In addition to this, the Al-Qadir Trust case has emerged from an earlier Supreme Court case in which Malik Riaz was implicated in illegal land deals. The settlement reached between Khan and Malik Riaz allegedly provided the latter with significant land benefits, particularly in relation to Al-Qadir University, which is managed by Bushra Bibi.
What to Expect from the Al Qadir Trust Verdict
Given the mounting evidence, the case appears to be a clear instance of corruption and misuse of authority. The £190 million is now viewed by legal experts as public money, and Khan’s involvement in its diversion to Malik Riaz suggests that personal gain was the primary motive.
Critics argue that Imran Khan used his religious and political influence to legitimize his kickback scheme, with Bushra Bibi reportedly serving as a trustee in the Al-Qadir University project, raising further concerns about corruption at the highest levels.
The political fallout has been significant, with opponents accusing Khan of exploiting his position for personal gain. The case has polarized public opinion, with Imran Khan’s supporters claiming that the charges are politically motivated, while others assert that this case reveals a troubling pattern of corruption disguised as religion.
As the court prepares to deliver its final judgment on January 13, it remains to be seen what consequences Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi will face. The legal ramifications of this case could be severe, and the verdict is likely to send a strong message about the need for accountability in Pakistan’s political system.
