Al-Qadir trust case is basically an accusation of £190 million embezzlement against Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi.
It is one of the alleged cases from the political as well as judicial fields of Pakistan.
Everything regarding this case, such as the background of this case, the charges that came, and how things developed till January 2025, is described elaborately in this blog.
Background of the Al-Qadir Trust Case
In 2019, the UK’s NCA confiscated £190 million from a high-profile Pakistani real estate tycoon, Malik Riaz.
This amount should have been remitted to the national treasury of Pakistan.
Claims, however, are emerging that the prime minister then-in-office, Imran Khan, assisted change those monies for private settlements.
Specifically, it is alleged that the tycoon gifted land worth billions of rupees to Khan and his wife.
It was for establishing the Al-Qadir University, which is managed by the Al-Qadir Trust, in over of legal protection.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Accountability court charged Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan formally after NAB investigations.
The serious allegation against them is that their efforts to take the tycoon to an out-of-court settlement resulted in £190 million losses for the public exchequer.
The Rawalpindi-based accountability court sent a 14-page questionnaire containing 79 questions.
These questions related to the case to Imran Khan and his wife on November 2024.
They are allowed till November 11, 2024, to submit their replies.
Court Verdict and Sentencing
Accountability court announced its judgment on January 18, 2025.
Bushra Bibi was awarded a 7-year sentence while Imran Khan was awarded 14 years imprisonment.
Bushra Bibi was further fined PKR 500,000 and Khan was fined PKR 1 million.
Both of them would be imprisoned for six months if these fines are not paid by them.
The court took custody of Bushra Bibi immediately after the verdict of the Al-Qadir Trust case in the courtroom.
Imran Khan’s Response
Imran Khan reacted very negatively to the court’s decision, which he termed as “mockery of an independent judiciary.”
He accused that the news was leaked into the media beforehand, indicating the verdict and jail term were well planned.
“We will fight till the last ball, and I will not make any deals,” Khan declared.
He showed the determination to carry on for the sake of actual freedom and democracy.
Bushra Bibi’s Acquittal Plea
Bushra Bibi had already filed a discharge petition even before the pronouncement of sentence in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
On 4th September 2024, the anti-corruption court announced to withhold its judgment over her petition.
The court adjourned its pronouncement on 5th September 2024.
At last, she was declared guilty and sent away with her conviction in January 2025.
Implications and Future Outlook
The Al-Qadir Trust case has significantly affected the political dynamics of Pakistan.
A conviction of a former prime minister and his wife underlines the accountability position of the judiciary.
However, as the claims of Khan clarify, it raises questions about the impartiality and openness of the justice system.
It is not known how these developments would affect the political climate and public opinion of Pakistan regarding the judiciary as the issue develops.
Al-Qadir Trust is one of the important landmarks in Pakistan’s quest for justice and accountability.
Even though the court has pronounced its verdict, responses and events that follow after that reveal that the debate on this case is still on.
The country watches judicial and political disputes still underway with hope of finding a solution that will preserve democracy and justice.
