The Accountability court in Rawalpindi has postponed its verdict regarding the £190 million case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi.
This delay marks the third time the court has postponed its decision on this high-profile case, which centres on substantial financial allegations against the former prime minister and his spouse. The court had previously reserved its decision after hearing final arguments from both the prosecution and defence.
The hearing, held at Adiala Jail and presided over by Judge Nasir Javed Rana, has stretched over a year, reflecting the case’s complexity and the detailed examination required. Initially scheduled for announcement, the verdict has now been pushed to December 23, extending the suspense surrounding the outcomes of this significant legal battle.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) initiated the investigation based on accusations that Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and others misappropriated funds linked to the Al Qadir University Trust. These funds, amounting to around 190 million pounds, were reportedly misused, leading to significant losses to the national exchequer. The case alleges that the funds provided by Britain’s National Crime Agency were improperly allocated, prompting a detailed corruption reference against the couple and several associates.
The continual delays in announcing the verdict have kept the political and legal communities on edge, as the outcomes could have profound implications for Khan’s political career and the broader political landscape in Pakistan. As the new date for the verdict is expected to be communicated soon, all eyes remain on the accountability court for its decisive judgment.