Judge Nasir Javed Rana of the Accountability Court has delivered the long-awaited verdict in the 190 million pounds mega corruption case, based on clear evidence and in accordance with the law. According to the ruling, the corrupt founder of Pakistan, Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been sentenced to 14 years in prison, while Bushra Bibi has been given 7 years.
Additionally, a fine of 10 lakhs for Imran Khan and 5 lakhs for Bushra Bibi has been imposed, and the land of the Al-Qadir University has been ordered to be taken into government custody.
This case is unique not only because of the enormous scale of the corruption involved, but also because the then-Prime Minister, the founder of PTI, misused his position to commit this crime. The case is unprecedented, as it involves how the former Prime Minister, along with his wife Bushra Bibi, was found to be involved in bribery and white-collar crime.
Evidence presented in court made it clear how Imran Khan, using his power as Prime Minister, colluded with property tycoon Malik Riaz, who, instead of facing the charges, settled with the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), which declared the 190 million pounds as the property of the Pakistani state.
The PTI founder used his position, cabinet, and powers to facilitate a settlement, where Malik Riaz gave the land for Al-Qadir Trust as a favor in return for the large sum of 460 billion rupees being deposited into the Supreme Court’s account.
The government’s position was that no legal action could be taken against the British government since it was a party to the case. However, after a thorough investigation and the presentation of undeniable evidence over the course of a year, the case was brought to its conclusion.
Statements from former adviser Shehzad and Federal Minister Pervez Khattak confirm that Imran Khan illicitly benefited financially from Malik Riaz during his tenure as Prime Minister.
What is most revealing in this case is the hypocrisy of the PTI founder, who, while engaging in corruption, was publicly labeling other politicians as thieves, corrupt, and criminals to distract attention from his own actions.
Today’s verdict shows that those politicians, whom Imran Khan branded as corrupt, have been cleared in courts with presented evidence, while Imran Khan’s own corruption could not be concealed despite his attempts to delay and cover it up. The decision conclusively proves that he used his position and the country’s resources for personal gain.
This case also reinforces the strength and independence of Pakistan’s judicial system, as it demonstrates that the judiciary, free from external pressures, has successfully delivered a verdict after a thorough examination of evidence.
The decision stands as a testament to the integrity of Pakistan’s justice system, which has acted in the country’s best interest, regardless of political affiliations.
