ISLAMABAD — The Islamabad accountability court is set to announce its verdict on the plea filed by Bushra Bibi. The wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, concerning her acquittal in the £190 million settlement case. The court’s decision follows a day of reserved judgment by Judge Nasir Javed Rana on September 4. After comprehensive arguments from both the prosecution and defense.
Background of the Case
Bushra Bibi, previously the First Lady of Pakistan, has been accused of causing a significant financial loss to the national exchequer. The case also involves a property tycoon and alleges that the accused facilitated the misuse of £190 million. An amount was transferred from Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to the Pakistani government.
The charges suggest that Imran Khan, during his tenure as Prime Minister. Approved a confidential settlement agreement with the UK crime agency on December 3, 2019. This settlement was purportedly part of a deal to cover the property tycoon’s illicit funds. In return, Khan and Bibi are accused of receiving land valued in billions of rupees. Which was allegedly intended to be used for an educational institute.
Recent Developments
The latest hearing took place at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where Bushra Bibi has been incarcerated since May. During this session, Bushra’s lawyer, Usman Riaz Gul, argued for her acquittal, while the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) challenged her plea. The NAB’s investigation has been a point of contention, with the contempt petition against the NAB chairman being declared ineffective by the court.
Although Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were granted post-arrest bail in early July. Their freedom was short-lived due to ongoing legal challenges. The couple had previously been convicted in the Toshakhana case, involving the illegal sale of state gifts, and remained under arrest due to the iddat case. A matter related to their marriage status. Despite their acquittal in the iddat case in July. Both remain embroiled in various legal battles. Including the £190 million case and a new Toshakhana reference concerning a jewelry set gifted by the Saudi crown prince.
£190 Million Settlement Case Details
The £190 million case revolves around allegations that the money. Which was part of an agreement between the UK’s NCA and the Pakistani government, was improperly handled. The deal, approved without full disclosure, involved the transfer of funds to the Supreme Court on behalf of the property tycoon. NAB officials claim that the settlement allowed Khan and Bibi to obtain valuable land in exchange for providing legal cover to the tycoon’s black money.
Stay Tuned!
As the court prepares to deliver its verdict on Bushra Bibi’s acquittal plea, the outcome could have significant implications for the ongoing investigations and legal proceedings involving her and Imran Khan. The verdict will be closely watched, as it will determine the next steps in this high-profile case, which has captured considerable public and media attention.
Stay tuned for updates on the verdict and further developments in this case.
