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Pakistan Desk, Delhi Magazine: Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been convicted of corruption in the Al-Qadir Trust case. On January 17, 2025, a court in Rawalpindi sentenced Khan to 14 years in prison and Bushra Bibi to 7 years.
The couple was found guilty of accepting land from real estate tycoon Malik Riaz during Khan’s time in office (2018-2022). Prosecutors claim they misused £190 million returned by the UK for national purposes. The money, seized by British authorities as proceeds of crime, was allegedly diverted by Khan to benefit Malik Riaz instead of Pakistan’s treasury.
Imran Khan, already in jail since August 2023 for other charges, denies the allegations. He says the case is politically motivated. His legal team has announced plans to appeal the verdict.
Bushra Bibi, also involved in another corruption case earlier, was taken into custody after the ruling.
This case has deepened the political crisis in Pakistan. Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is in talks with the government to address the fallout. PTI has demanded an investigation into Khan’s 2023 arrest and subsequent protests. The government has agreed to allow party leaders to meet Khan in jail and respond to PTI’s demands within a week.
The verdict has raised concerns about the fairness of trials and the future of PTI in Pakistan’s political landscape.
What’s the Al-Qadir Trust Corruption Case
The case against former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi is about alleged corruption linked to the Al-Qadir Trust, a charitable organization they set up.
Main Allegations
- Misuse of Funds
- It is alleged that Malik Riaz, a real estate tycoon, gave valuable land to Khan and Bushra as a bribe.
- In return, Khan reportedly helped Riaz get £190 million (PKR 50 billion) returned from the UK instead of putting it into Pakistan’s national treasury. This money was originally seized by British authorities as proceeds of crime.
- Al-Qadir Trust’s Role
- The trust was established to promote education and charity.
- Prosecutors claim it was used as a front to make the land deal and financial benefits look legal.
- Land Gifted to the Trust
- Riaz allegedly gave over 450 kanals (around 56 acres) of land in Islamabad to the trust, benefiting the couple.
Court Verdict
- In January 2025, the court sentenced:
- Imran Khan to 14 years in prison.
- Bushra Bibi to 7 years in prison.
- They were found guilty of corruption and abusing their positions.
Imran Khan’s Response
- Khan denies all charges, calling them politically motivated.
- He says the case is an attempt to weaken his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
- His legal team plans to appeal the verdict.
Bushra Bibi’s Role
- Bushra was directly involved in the trust’s operations as a trustee.
- This is her second corruption case; she had faced similar charges earlier.
Political Context
- Critics argue this case is part of a broader crackdown on Imran Khan and his party since his removal from office in April 2022.
- The case has led to debates about fairness and heightened political tensions in Pakistan.