ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has postponed the hearing on the sentence suspension petitions filed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the £190 million corruption case. The delay occurred as Justice Muhammad Asif, who was scheduled to hear the case alongside Acting Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, is currently on leave. Consequently, only single bench hearings are being conducted today, preventing the case from proceeding as planned. 
Background of the Case
In January 2025, an accountability court sentenced Imran Khan to 14 years in prison and Bushra Bibi to seven years for their involvement in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust corruption case. The court also imposed fines of Rs 1 million on Khan and Rs 500,000 on Bibi. Failure to pay these fines would result in additional imprisonment for both individuals. Furthermore, the court ordered the authorities to take control of Al-Qadir University, which was allegedly established using funds linked to the case. 
The case centers around allegations that the couple misused £190 million sent by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) as part of a settlement with property tycoon Malik Riaz. The funds were intended for Pakistan but were allegedly diverted through a settlement approved by Khan’s cabinet in December 2019. Bushra Bibi, as a trustee of the Al-Qadir Trust, is accused of being complicit in this arrangement. Additionally, the couple is accused of receiving over 458 kanal of land in Mauza Bakrala, Sohawa, for the establishment of Al-Qadir University.
Legal Proceedings and Political Context
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed a reference against Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and others in December 2023. The trial commenced in early 2024, with multiple delays in the verdict announcement due to various reasons, including the absence of the accused and their legal representatives. The defense has consistently argued that the charges are politically motivated, aiming to undermine Khan’s political career. (
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi have approached the IHC for an expedited hearing of their appeals, citing the prolonged delay and the potential risk of injustice. Their legal team emphasizes the need for a timely resolution to uphold the rule of law and ensure fairness in the proceedings.
Implications and Public Interest
The delay in the hearing has garnered significant public attention, with supporters and critics alike closely monitoring the developments. The outcome of this case is expected to have far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s political landscape, particularly concerning the future of Imran Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). As the legal proceedings continue, all eyes remain on the Islamabad High Court for further updates.
