Imran Failed to Provide Solid Evidence in Court, Claims Information Minister
ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Ataullah Tarar declared that former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s conviction in the £190 million corruption case was based on merit and was an “open-and-shut case.”
An accountability court in Islamabad, after delaying the verdict three times, convicted PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the £190 million case. Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana handed down a 14-year sentence to Khan and a 7-year sentence to Bushra, along with heavy fines.
Government Clarification
The information minister pointed out that Imran and Bushra failed to present solid evidence in court, leading to their conviction. He emphasized that the case demonstrated clear corruption, bribery, and misuse of power, and it was proven that the Al-Qadir Trust was established for money laundering purposes.
Ata said the defence lawyer failed to prove their innocence, and the verdict was in line with legal requirements and merit. He stressed that Khan must prove that the sealed envelope was not presented in the cabinet as part of the legal procedure.
Right to Appeal
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar confirmed that Imran Khan had the right to appeal the conviction.
PTI’s Response
In response to the verdict, PTI announced its plan to challenge the decision. Omar Ayub, the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, stated, “We will challenge this verdict in superior courts.”
Senate opposition leader Shibli Faraz referred to the verdict as a “Black Day” and stated that superior courts would dismiss the “baseless” case against Imran Khan. He lamented that while thieves roam freely, honest individuals are being targeted.
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram called the decision “baseless” and clarified that the case should have resulted in acquittal.
Imran Khan’s lawyer Faisal Chaudhry condemned the “political use” of NAB, stating that the accountability watchdog’s investigation was flawed and based on false accusations.
