Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were convicted on Friday in the £190 million case, receiving significant prison sentences. Imran Khan was sentenced to 14 years, while Bushra Bibi received a seven-year term.
The conviction was announced by Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan has been detained for over a year. In addition to their prison sentences, both were fined. Imran Khan was fined Rs1 million, and Bushra Bibi was fined Rs500,000. If they fail to pay the fines, Imran Khan will face an additional six months in prison, and Bushra Bibi will serve three extra months.
The court also ruled that the property of the “sham trust,” Al-Qadir University Project Trust, would be forfeited to the federal government under Section 10(a) of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999.
The verdict was delivered under heavy security, and immediately following the ruling, Bushra Bibi was arrested in the courtroom. The judgment comes after several delays. Initially, Judge Rana had reserved his verdict on December 18, 2024, with the announcement originally set for December 23. However, the court deferred the decision without explanation. On January 6, the verdict was once again postponed as the judge was attending a training session for judges. The hearing was rescheduled for January 13, but once more, the ruling was delayed due to the absence of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in court.
The leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced plans to challenge the conviction, calling it politically motivated. They vowed to appeal the decision in higher courts. Opposition leader Omar Ayub labeled the ruling a “dark day” in Pakistan’s judicial history. He questioned the connection between the funds and the PTI leadership, asserting that the money was received by the Supreme Court, not Imran Khan or Bushra Bibi.
Shibli Faraz, another PTI leader, argued that neither Khan nor Bushra Bibi benefited from the transactions. He emphasized that they were being punished for founding Al-Qadir University, an institution aimed at promoting the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Faraz also criticized the justice system, stating, “Those who looted the country walk free, while sincere leaders face jail.” He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to appealing the verdict and pursuing justice.
As tensions rise, the case remains a focal point in Pakistani politics, with many questioning the motives behind the conviction.
