Pakistan’s 190-Million-Pound Case: Quid-pro-Quo Corruption Packaged as State Deal?

On January 13, the accountability court’s decision on former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s involvement in Pakistan’s 190-million-pound case is expected. In a quid-pro-quo scenario, Imran gave back 190 million British pounds laundered to the UK and recovered by their National Crime Agency to Pakistani real estate tycoon, Malik Riaz.

The process of the deal was framed as a state-to-state transaction, with Imran Khan using the federal cabinet to legitimize the process. He presented the settlement between Malik Riaz and the NCA as a UK-Pakistan state-to-state deal. The federal cabinet, under Imran’s direction, was shown a sealed envelope labeled “Top Secret” to gain approval for the deal. In reality, this was all part of a strategy to adjust the 190 million pounds in Malik Riaz’s other scam involving a massive PKR 465 billion. Further legal cover was provided by channeling the funds into the Supreme Court’s bank account.

Also See: Imran Khan, Malik Riaz Await Verdict in £190 Million Al-Qadir Trust Case

The Case: Of Corruption, Misuse of Authority, and Personal Gains

Corruption, misuse of authority, and personal gains — these aren’t just political buzzwords in Pakistan. They’re accusations that carry the weight of entire governments and, in this case, the tenure of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The 190-million-pound case, often dubbed the “NCA Funds Scandal,” epitomizes a dubious deal with Bahria Town that continues to stain Pakistan’s political fabric.

The NCA Funds Repatriation Case is perhaps one of the most scandalous corruption allegations in Pakistan’s political history, involving the former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The case revolves around a GBP (£) 190 million repatriated by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), intended for Pakistan’s state coffers but allegedly diverted for personal gain. The money was meant to bolster Pakistan’s economy but somehow ended up supporting the interests of Bahria Town Limited (BTL), a real estate empire owned by the powerful property mogul Malik Riaz Hussain.

Legal Trial

Spanning over one year, with National Accountability Bureau (NAB) investigating Imran, a total of 100 hearings have taken place. Key witnesses, like Pervez Khattak, have testified under oath that the 190 million pounds were transferred on the advice of Imran Khan.

The findings indicate that the 190 million pounds belonged to the state of Pakistan, as it was laundered money. However, Imran Khan gave it back to Malik Riaz. Based on these merits, it is clear that the judgment may entail severe consequences for Imran Khan, given that this is a clear case of misappropriating public funds.

Pakistan’s 190 Million Pounds Case: Religious Justification for Corruption

The 190 million pounds case sheds light on the mechanisms by which former Prime Minister Imran Khan allegedly manipulated public trust through the use of a religious pretext to conceal corruption. According to the allegations, Khan framed the illicit financial transaction as a religious cause, ostensibly to serve the interests of the public good. This justification was purportedly driven by his wife, Bushra Bibi, who served as a trustee in the process. Despite her role in the matter, Bushra Bibi, who has publicly claimed a commitment to education, is not formally educated herself and has shown no clear interest in furthering educational causes. This contradiction raises significant questions about the authenticity of the religious cover and the true intentions behind the transaction.

The NCA Seizure: Dirty Money or a Clean Cover-Up?

The saga began with the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) seizing assets worth £190 million from Malik Riaz, the property tycoon synonymous with Bahria Town’s sprawling empire. While the NCA didn’t charge Riaz with a crime, the confiscation under the UK’s Criminal Finances Act was a clear indication of “dirty money.” Per international norms, these funds were returned to Pakistan. During the tenure of Imran Khan as Prime Minister, the NCA’s seizure of £190 million marked the largest amount frozen in an NSA investigation since the Criminal Finances Act 2017 came into force, a law designed to give police greater powers to crack down on money laundering.

But here’s the twist: instead of bolstering Pakistan’s treasury, the money was diverted to settle Malik Riaz’s liabilities in a Supreme Court land-grabbing case. This backdoor maneuver, authorized by Imran Khan’s cabinet, blurred the lines between governance and favoritism.

Cabinet Approval: Transparency or Rubber Stamping?

On December 3, 2019, Imran Khan’s cabinet approved the agreement between Malik Riaz and the NCA, shrouding it in confidentiality. Cabinet members, according to insiders, were not shown the actual settlement terms. In that meeting, no minister was shown the agreement, labeling the decision as confidential. Therefore, the cabinet was used as a rubber stamp. This reduced them to little more than a rubber stamp for a decision that rerouted public funds to private benefit.

In that Cabinet decision, it was determined that the dirty money returned from the UK would be submitted to the account of the Supreme Court instead of the Government of Pakistan’s account. This move was linked to Malik Riaz’s existing liability to pay billions of rupees to the Supreme Court in a separate land-grabbing case, which he had agreed to settle by paying fines, thus maintaining a “no guilt” status.

The Al-Qadir Trust: A Charitable Facade

Shortly after this “settlement,” the Al-Qadir Trust emerged as a central character. Established ostensibly for educational purposes, it was a trust only in name, with Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and close aides like Zulfi Bukhari serving as trustees. Malik Riaz gifted 458 kanals of land and Rs. 285 million to the trust, raising questions about its true purpose.

Key Facts About the Trust:

• Inception Date: December 26, 2019.
• Trustees: Initially included Khan, Bushra Bibi, and Zulfi Bukhari. Later amended to have only Khan and Bushra Bibi as trustees.
• Purpose: An educational institution, which critics argue was a cover for personal enrichment.

The Dubious Deal with Bahria Town Limited: What Did Imran Get?

At the heart of this grand corruption scandal is a questionable deal between Imran Khan and Malik Riaz. In exchange for facilitating the deal by diverting the funds, Imran Khan and his wife allegedly received numerous personal benefits, including land and substantial monetary transfers. Among the most striking of these transactions was the transfer of:

• 458 Kanals of land near Mohra Noor, Islamabad.
• A hefty Rs. 285 million was directed to the Al Qadir University Trust, an entity closely tied to Imran Khan and his spouse, where both held positions as trustees.

These illicit exchanges represent a gross misuse of authority, a clear breach of trust, and blatant corruption at the highest levels of government.

Details of Land Acquisition and Systematic Transfers

The involvement of land transactions and their systematic diversion to private interests is a key aspect of this case. According to official revenue records, the following land dealings are central to the scandal:

Land Near Mohra Noor, Islamabad

1. Initial Acquisition:
   • In 2019, Bahria Town Limited (BTL), under Ahmed Ali Riaz, acquired 240 Kanals and 6 Marlas of land near Mohra Noor.
   • BTL subsequently developed infrastructure on the land, including a road connecting it to Bahria Enclave, as well as a Bahria Dastarkhawan.
2. Transfers to Farah Gogi:
   • On July 29, 2021, BTL transferred a total of:
     • 100 Kanal 1 Marla (worth PKR 25.5 crore).
     • 100 Kanal 5 Marla (valued at PKR 25.5 crore).
   • On October 28, 2021, another 40 Kanals (worth PKR 3.2 crore) were transferred.

In total, these transfers—spanning 240 Kanals and 6 Marlas, valued at PKR 53.27 crore—were officially registered under Farhat Shehzadi, aka Farah Gogi, a close confidante of Bushra Bibi.

Land Transferred to Al Qadir University Trust

1. Between April 4 and April 30, 2019, a massive 458.4 Kanals of land was acquired from various private owners.
2. On February 16, 2021, the land was officially transferred to the Al Qadir University Trust, a trust that would play a pivotal role in this scandal.

Al Qadir University Trust: A Vehicle for Personal Gains

The Al Qadir University Trust, which was established under the pretext of promoting education, has since come under intense scrutiny due to its opaque operations and questionable financial dealings.

Key Facts About the Trust:

• Inception: The Al Qadir University Trust was officially registered on December 26, 2019, with Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari, and Zaheer Uddin Babar Awan listed as the initial trustees.
• Amendments: On July 10, 2020, the trust’s deed was amended, making Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi the sole trustees.
• Certification: The trust was certified under the Punjab Charities Act, 2018 on February 17, 2022.

Despite its lofty claims of promoting education, the trust has become a vehicle for personal gains. The flow of funds and land from Bahria Town Limited to the trust, alongside questionable transfers, underscores the use of public office for personal benefit.

Court Proceedings and Conviction

The Islamabad Accountability Court issued a damning verdict, finding Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi guilty under the National Accountability Ordinance for corruption and misuse of public funds. The court’s findings revealed how the duo’s actions had directly led to irreparable losses to the state treasury.

Investigations & Legal Action:

• The National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Rawalpindi, initiated an inquiry in 2022. Based on irrefutable evidence, the inquiry was upgraded to a full-fledged investigation.
• On December 1, 2023, NAB filed a reference against eight individuals, including Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, Farah Gogi, Shehzad Akbar, Zulfiqar Bukhari, Barrister Zia-ul-Mustafa, Malik Riaz Hussain, and his son Ahmed Ali Riaz.
• Six of the accused were declared absconders in December 2023, and their cases were separated.
• In February 2024, formal charges were framed against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, marking the commencement of the trial.
• 35 witnesses testified against the accused, presenting irrefutable evidence that Imran Khan’s defense team failed to challenge effectively. Instead, they attempted to politicize the case, deviating from legal arguments and failing to present a robust defense.

A Mega Corruption Scandal with Lessons for Pakistan

This isn’t merely the “Al-Qadir Trust Case.” It is a textbook example of how governance can be subverted for personal gain. The dubious Bahria deal and the misuse of authority highlight systemic flaws that allow the powerful to act with impunity.

Broader Implications:

• Public Trust: The scandal has eroded public confidence in Pakistan’s institutions.
• Legal Reforms: There’s an urgent need for mechanisms to ensure transparency in public funds.
• Accountability: High-profile convictions like this could set a precedent for genuine accountability.

A Case of Betrayed Trust

The NCA Funds Repatriation Case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of corruption and the misuse of authority. The funds intended for Pakistan’s welfare were illegally diverted to benefit a few individuals and a private enterprise at the expense of the nation. As investigations continue, this case underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and a return to ethical governance.

As the legal battle unfolds, the public remains vigilant, hoping to see the rule of law prevail and those responsible for such acts of personal gain and dubious deals with Bahria Town held accountable.

The pursuit of justice in this case is far from over, but one thing is clear: Pakistan’s political landscape needs a deep cleansing, and this scandal is merely the tip of the iceberg.

Imran Khan’s rise was built on promises of accountability and anti-corruption. Ironically, his fall illustrates the very corruption he vowed to fight. The NCA funds—intended as a win for Pakistan—became a symbol of betrayal, enriching a few while the nation paid the price.

As Pakistan grapples with the aftermath, the question remains: Will this be a turning point or just another chapter in a long saga of corruption and misuse of authority? The answer lies not just in courtrooms but in the collective will of a nation demanding better.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of the South Asia Times.

Usama Qazafi

Usama Qazafi is a passionate social media enthusiast with extensive early experience in digital marketing. Having collaborated with numerous social media teams, he also possesses practical skills in camera work. Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Mass Communications, he stands out as the youngest member of the SAT team

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