ISLAMABAD (PEN) : In a significant legal proceeding, an accountability court has postponed the hearing of the 190 million pounds reference involving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, until July 30. Judge Muhammad Ali Warraich presided over the session today, which was marked by the absence of both the defendants and their lawyers by the scheduled 10 am start time.
The delay led to an hour-long postponement, during which the court issued a final warning to the defense team regarding their cross-examination responsibilities. Despite these efforts, the hearing ultimately concluded without any progress, and a new date was set.
This case, which has garnered substantial public attention, involves allegations of corruption related to the Al-Qadir Trust. So far, 34 witnesses have provided their testimonies, and cross-examinations of 33 witnesses have been completed. Among those who testified was former federal minister Pervez Khattak, who on July 10 recounted that Shehzad Akbar informed the cabinet about funds illegally transferred from Pakistan and confiscated in Britain, which were then set to be returned to Pakistan. Khattak revealed that this topic was added to the cabinet’s agenda as an additional item, with documents presented in sealed envelopes.
Imran Khan, responding to Khattak’s testimony, asserted, “Nawaz Sharif’s flats in London must be handed over to Pakistan.”
Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri of the Islamabad High Court have granted bail to both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in this case. Judge Muhammad Ali Warraich, who is overseeing the current proceedings, also approved Bushra Bibi’s bail plea earlier this month on July 2.
The origins of this case trace back to last year when the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed a corruption reference against the former Prime Minister, his spouse, and others. The charges allege that they received land worth millions of dollars as a bribe through the Al-Qadir Trust, casting a shadow over their political and personal reputations.
As the case continues, the courtroom remains a focal point for discussions about justice, accountability, and the complex interplay of politics and law in Pakistan. The postponement to July 30 serves as a reminder of the intricate legal processes and the ongoing pursuit of truth and justice in this high-stakes situation.
