What is the £190 Million Corruption Case Involving Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi?
The £190 million case, commonly referred to as the Al-Qadir Trust Case, is one of the most high-profile corruption cases in Pakistan’s recent history. It involves allegations against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and other associates for misusing funds meant for the state of Pakistan. The case, which has now entered its final stages, centers around the alleged misappropriation of Rs50 billion (£190 million) received from the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) as part of a settlement with a prominent Pakistani property tycoon.
The Core Allegations
The case alleges that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, through their roles in the Al-Qadir Trust, improperly benefited from the NCA’s settlement agreement with the tycoon. The settlement, finalized in 2019 during Khan’s tenure as prime minister, involved the repatriation of £190 million to Pakistan. However, the money, instead of being deposited in the state treasury, was reportedly used to settle fines owed by the tycoon to the Supreme Court.
In return, it is alleged that Khan and his associates facilitated the tycoon’s legal cover and obtained valuable land—measuring 458 kanals—for the Al-Qadir Trust. This land, worth billions of rupees, was purportedly intended to build an educational institute.
The Role of the UK National Crime Agency (NCA)
The NCA had frozen the funds in the UK in connection with a case against the property tycoon. Following negotiations, the money was repatriated to Pakistan. According to the prosecution, Imran Khan’s cabinet approved the settlement without revealing critical details of the confidential agreement to the public or state institutions.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) alleges that the approval process violated the Rules of Business, 1973. A key accusation is that Shahzad Akbar, Khan’s special assistant on accountability, misrepresented information in a cabinet note that implied the funds would benefit the state. Instead, they were used to settle the tycoon’s obligations.
Legal Proceedings and Current Status
The case recently reached its final stages, with Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi recording their statements under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Both received a 14-page questionnaire containing 79 questions, probing their alleged role in facilitating the settlement.
The court’s evidence includes accusations that Akbar, in connivance with Khan, drafted misleading documents, including a note dated December 2, 2019. This note framed the settlement as a benefit to Pakistan while allegedly concealing its true intent. The note was reportedly added to the cabinet agenda without proper circulation or scrutiny.
Imran Khan, currently imprisoned on other charges, and Bushra Bibi have denied any wrongdoing. During recent hearings, Bushra Bibi stated that she would not present any witnesses in her defense.
What Does the Prosecution Claim?
The prosecution asserts that:
- Imran Khan and his associates facilitated the “illegal and dishonest transfer” of £171.159 million out of the £190 million meant for the state.
- Land worth billions of rupees was acquired for the Al-Qadir Trust as part of a quid pro quo deal.
- The tycoon received undue legal cover for his black money under the guise of the NCA settlement.
NAB further alleges that these actions were carried out with “active connivance” and “ulterior motives” by individuals in positions of power.
Defense Arguments
Khan and his legal team argue that the case is politically motivated, a common stance in Pakistan’s volatile political environment. His supporters claim that the prosecution has failed to provide concrete evidence of personal financial gain by Khan or his wife. Bushra Bibi has maintained that the trust’s purpose was solely educational and aimed at benefiting the public.
Wider Implications of the Case
The £190 million case is more than just a corruption trial; it reflects the intersection of politics, governance, and accountability in Pakistan. It underscores concerns about transparency in high-level agreements and raises questions about the oversight of funds repatriated to the country.
Additionally, the case has significant political ramifications. As the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Khan remains a powerful figure in Pakistan’s politics. His imprisonment and legal battles are seen as part of broader struggles between the judiciary, government, and opposition.
