Verdict on 190 Million Pound Reference Against Imran Khan Delayed Yet Again

The long-awaited verdict on the 190 million pound reference involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and his wife Bushra Bibi, has been postponed once more. The decision, initially set to be announced on January 13, 2025, will now be delivered on Friday, January 17, 2025.

Court Announcement and Proceedings

The decision was reserved by the Accountability Court on December 18, 2024, and has since been delayed multiple times. The most recent postponement marks the fourth such instance:

1. Initially scheduled for December 23, 2024.
2. Rescheduled to January 6, 2025.
3. Postponed to January 13, 2025, before being moved again to January 17, 2025.

Judge Nasir Javed Rana was expected to announce the verdict today at 11:00 AM in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi. However, court officials informed all parties, including the defense and prosecution teams, about the change in schedule.

Imran Khan’s lawyer, Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry, confirmed the postponement and noted that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecution team had also been notified.

Case Overview

The 190 million pound reference revolves around alleged financial irregularities involving a settlement with a UK-based firm. The case has been under scrutiny for over a year, with proceedings concluding after detailed arguments and witness testimonies.

• The trial included 35 witnesses, whose statements were recorded by the NAB.
• Prominent witnesses included:
  • Azam Khan, former Principal Secretary to Imran Khan.
  • Pervez Khattak, former Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
  • Zubaida Jalal, former Federal Minister.

During the trial, Imran Khan’s legal team cross-examined witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s claims.

Timeline of the Case

• February 27, 2024: Imran Khan and co-accused were formally charged in the case.
• December 18, 2024: The court reserved its verdict after concluding arguments.

The NAB alleges that financial misconduct resulted in losses to the national exchequer, and it seeks accountability for those involved.

Political Implications

The case has drawn significant public and political attention due to Imran Khan’s prominent role in Pakistani politics. The outcome of the case is expected to have far-reaching consequences for his political future and the broader political landscape of Pakistan.

Statements from Key Figures

Both Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. The defense has argued that the case lacks substantive evidence and has criticized the prosecution’s handling of the matter.

Next Steps

With the verdict now set for January 17, 2025, the case remains a focal point of national discourse. All eyes will be on the Accountability Court as it delivers a decision in one of the most high-profile cases in recent Pakistani history.