Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi Seek Urgent Hearing in Al-Qadir Trust Conviction Case
ISLAMABAD – Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have submitted a formal request to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for an early hearing on their appeal seeking the suspension of their convictions in the high-profile £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case.
Background of the Case
The couple was convicted on January 17, 2025, with Imran Khan receiving a 14-year prison sentence and Bushra Bibi seven years, in a corruption case linked to funds repatriated by the UK government during Khan’s tenure as Prime Minister. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) alleges the pair received billions in bribes and land in exchange for protecting a Rs50 billion settlement with Bahria Town Ltd.
On January 27, they filed an appeal in the IHC, challenging the conviction on grounds of insufficient evidence and legal shortcomings.
Imran Khan’s Legal Plea
The application filed on behalf of Imran Khan, a copy of which has been reviewed by media, highlights that the delay in hearing their petition is a violation of the right to liberty and a fair trial under Articles 4 and 9 of the Constitution.
“The application for suspension of sentence has not been heard in line with judicial policy, thereby depriving the applicant of his constitutional right to a speedy trial,” the plea states.
It further alleges that NAB has caused multiple delays by seeking adjournments under the pretext of assigning special prosecutors, without providing a final hearing date for the suspension request.
Key Hearing Dates and Delays
The case has appeared before the court on May 15, May 27, June 5, and June 26, but no conclusive date for the suspension hearing has been announced. Khan’s legal team argues that the case has been “deprioritized without lawful justification”, despite it qualifying for urgent priority under standard court practice for bail and suspension matters.
Bushra Bibi’s Application: Gender-Based Protections Cited
In a separate application, Bushra Bibi also appealed for a swift hearing, emphasizing her right to legal protections as a woman under Islamic law and Pakistani jurisprudence.
The petition notes her involvement in 13 different legal cases, including the controversial Iddat case, all of which she has been acquitted of, suggesting that she is being targeted with malicious intent.
“Delays in hearing the case violate Article 4 of the Constitution and the special legal protections afforded to female detainees,” her legal team noted.
NAB’s Original Allegations
The NAB reference, filed in December 2023, accuses Imran Khan of being instrumental in allowing illicit financial transactions involving state funds to benefit Bahria Town Karachi. The agency alleges that Imran and Bushra refused to cooperate with investigators and failed to provide sufficient documentation to justify their actions.
What’s Next?
With both applications now filed, legal experts expect the Islamabad High Court to respond within the coming days. If granted, the hearing could significantly impact the political and legal future of one of Pakistan’s most high-profile couples.
Stay tuned to ProPakistani for breaking updates on this case and other top stories from across Pakistan.
