New Delhi: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been handed a 14-year prison sentence for his role in the Al-Qadir Trust scandal, marking his most significant conviction to date. His wife, Bushra Bibi, has also been sentenced to seven years in prison, and both have been fined substantial amounts.
The case centres around the illicit handling of funds that were initially seized by British authorities from Malik Riaz, a well-known Pakistani real estate mogul, in connection with a money-laundering investigation.
The controversy dates back to when Malik Riaz, through his company Bahria Town, transferred large sums of money—reportedly obtained from bribery and corruption—to the United Kingdom via illicit channels.
The British National Crime Authority (NCA) subsequently froze over 100 million pounds in accounts linked to Riaz, including properties such as Hyde Park Place. In a rare move, the NCA forfeited these assets and initiated proceedings to return the funds to Pakistan, with the intention of reimbursing the Pakistani state for the stolen money.
The Al-Qadir Trust case, involving the transfer of land and funds, has been a focal point of criticism for Khan and his associates, leading to their convictions. The scandal has also raised questions about the intertwining of politics, business, and corruption in Pakistan. Imran Khan, despite his legal battles, remains a popular figure, with supporters suggesting that his convictions are politically motivated.
In Episode 1590 of #CutTheClutter, Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta looks at the Al-Qadir Trust case, key players, Khan’s role along with his past convictions, and why he remains defiant as the GHQ goes after the former PM.
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