PTI Leadership Faces Convictions in £190 Million Scandal: Imran Khan Sentenced to 14 Years, Bushra Bibi to 7 Years

In a landmark decision, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been sentenced in the high-profile £190 million scandal, commonly referred to as the Al-Qadir Trust case. The Islamabad Accountability Court, under the leadership of Justice Nasir Javed Rana, delivered its verdict on the case on December 18, 2024, after several weeks of deliberation.
**Imran Khan Sentenced to 14 Years, Bushra Bibi to 7 Years**
Imran Khan has been sentenced to 14 years in prison and fined £1 million, while Bushra Bibi received a 7-year sentence along with a £500,000 fine. The case, which involved the transfer of £190 million from the UK to Pakistan under dubious circumstances, dates back to May 9, 2023, when Khan was arrested by the Islamabad High Court. The charges were formally pressed against him on February 27, 2024.
**The £190 Million Scandal**
The case revolves around the £190 million that allegedly came into Pakistan through a secretive transfer, bypassing the usual government channels and allegedly being channeled into the Supreme Court’s account. It was claimed that this money, linked to a fine owed by Bahria Town’s owner Malik Riaz Hussain, was used for personal financial gain by Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, in exchange for land for the Al-Qadir Trust. The transfer of land for the trust, located in Sohawa, Jhelum, is at the heart of the accusations.
**Legal and Political Fallout**
The verdict has stirred controversy, with many questioning the fairness of the trial. Critics argue that the decision is politically motivated, as several of the accused, including Imran Khan, deny any wrongdoing. The court’s decision has sparked protests from PTI supporters, who view the case as part of a broader political vendetta.
**Al-Qadir Trust and Public Reaction**
The Al-Qadir Trust, which was set up for the establishment of a university focused on Islamic teachings, is at the center of the controversy. Many have accused the government of using the trust’s religious mission as a pretext to discredit Imran Khan. Public opinion is divided, with some calling for justice, while others question the motives behind the case.
**Appeal and Future Steps**
Imran Khan and his legal team have already prepared to appeal the decision in the Islamabad High Court. Additionally, ongoing negotiations between PTI and the establishment suggest that there may be further developments in the coming weeks. Despite the verdict, PTI maintains its stance that the charges are baseless and that Khan has not benefitted personally from the funds in question.
As the political drama unfolds, the future of both Imran Khan and his party remains uncertain, with the case continuing to dominate headlines across Pakistan.