Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Criticizes PTI and Imran Khan Over Al-Qadir Trust Allegations

Islamabad:Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Imran Khan are misrepresenting the facts regarding the Al-Qadir Trust, clarifying that it is not a university, and that Imran Khan never applied for its registration.

In a private TV program, Khawaja Asif explained that during PTI’s tenure, a letter from the National Crime Agency (NCA) was shown to him, which had been leaked from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). After the Public Accounts Committee called NAB officials, including the NAB Chairman, it was revealed that the funds involved were linked to an investigation by the British NCA.

The NCA had sent details of these funds to the Pakistani government, and it was discovered that a sealed envelope had been approved by the Cabinet. Despite pressure from several ministers, the Prime Minister did not open the envelope. Eventually, the documents reached them, shedding light on the matter.

Khawaja Asif further discussed the case involving Bahria Town, where a significant fine was imposed on Malik Riaz. He noted that the funds that were supposed to be used for the fine had been adjusted in Malik Riaz’s personal account, with some of the funds coming from the UK.

Regarding Al-Qadir University, the Defence Minister clarified that it is not a university, but rather a college registered with the Government College University. The institution teaches only two subjects and currently has around 200 students enrolled.

He pointed out that although Al-Qadir Trust claims to have 400 acres of land, the institution is not offering any spiritual education as claimed. Instead, it operates as a computer college similar to those found in other cities, and the funds used for its operations have been scrutinized in this case.

Khawaja Asif also mentioned that the UK’s NCA conducted an inquiry into the transactions of Hassan Nawaz, which was deemed correct. However, when the NCA investigated Malik Riaz’s transactions, they were not cleared. The funds from British banks were transferred to Pakistan, including from Dubai and other locations.

Concluding, he emphasized that criminals are sentenced, and while they have the right to appeal, this is a strong case against Imran Khan, which has already resulted in a conviction. He stated that the case was managed by Shehzad Akbar, and testimony had been presented to solidify the case.