Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Sentenced in £190 Million Reference Case

In a landmark decision, the Accountability Court has sentenced Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to 14 years in prison and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 7 years in prison in the £190 million reference case. The verdict, delivered by Judge Nasir Javed Rana, also includes fines of PKR 1 million for Khan and PKR 500,000 for Bushra Bibi.

The court further ordered the nationalization of Al-Qadir University, a property implicated in the case.

Key Highlights of the Case:

1. Delayed Verdict: The judgment, reserved on December 18, 2024, was delayed multiple times before being announced.
2. Trial Summary:
   • The trial spanned over a year, with 100+ hearings and testimony from 35 witnesses.
   • The case saw four changes in judges and involved both prosecution and defense presenting extensive arguments.
3. Charges:
   • Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were accused of facilitating a secret agreement with a property tycoon, enabling the misappropriation of £190 million in public assets.
   • They allegedly used influence to approve the deal in the federal cabinet.
   • Land acquisitions, including 240 kanals in Mohra Noor, Islamabad, were also part of the charges.
4. Key Developments:
   • Several co-accused were declared absconders, with their properties and accounts frozen.
   • The court rejected Khan’s request to summon witnesses in his defense.

This decision marks a significant development in Pakistan’s legal and political landscape, signaling intensified accountability efforts.