Political Leader Imran Khan’s Conviction in Al-Qadir Case Criticized by Amanullah Kanrani

QuettaضIn response to various journalists’ questions regarding the verdict in the Al-Qadir case, former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, Amanullah Kanrani, on Friday, January 17, commented on the sentencing of political leader Imran Khan and his wife. He noted that under the amended NAB Ordinance and laws, which were recently enacted by the current government, any decision approved by the cabinet is now exempted from being defined as a criminal act. According to this amendment, transferring money from one account to another is no longer considered a crime.

Kanrani further explained that the financial and property-related transactions between the Al-Qadir Trust and Bahria Town, under the ownership of business tycoon Malik Riaz, represent a voluntary agreement between two private individuals. He emphasized that such matters fall outside the jurisdiction of the state and the NAB’s authority.

In his remarks, Kanrani also reflected on Pakistan’s historical political practices, stating that except for Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, most political leaders who faced convictions were ultimately pardoned or given lenient treatment. He cited examples of leaders who, despite receiving long sentences or facing serious charges, were later either released or had their sentences overturned through appeals.

Kanrani concluded by asserting that the conviction of Imran Khan in this particular case, which he believes is based on a law that has now been effectively removed from the legal framework, raises serious questions about the fairness and consistency of the legal process.