A brave woman Bushra Bibi is bearing countless oppression without crime. Thirdly, the verdict of this case is postponed. A man who made extremely brave decisions during his tenure for the sake of Pakistan and in resulting such a personality is in jail and his wife is in trouble.
If we further talk about the case detailed, Imran Khan and Bushra BB’s trial in the Al-Qadir (aka NCA 190 million Pound) case has been concluded and the matter is reserved for pronouncement of Judgment. Although due to the Establishment’s views on Imran Khan, it is well known what the judgment will be, however some facts that have transpired during the trial and prosecution witnesses’ cross-examination are worth highlighting.
First of all, the total amount that was transferred to Pakistan was not 190 million pounds but around 171 million pounds, which came in several installments.
The money was never sent by the NCA to Pakistan or any Government related accounts, as commonly alleged and known but was transferred directly from the personal accounts of family members of Bahria Town into the account of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which was allowed by the Supreme Court.
More interestingly the Supreme Court in/during 2019-2023 not only accepted the amount into its accounts but also invested the money in savings deposits and earned substantial profit, which again was added to the same account. Hence it was proven by NAB’s own admission that there was no loss to exchequer.
It was also established through the Investigating Officer’s admission that NAB does not have any details of funds, origin of funds and even the settlement in the UK with the NCA. NAB admitted that the AFOs were withdrawn under the orders of UK court and there was never a forfeiture. In simple words, there was no recovery as such and the money was independently sent by Bahria Town to Supreme Court account against their liability.
It was also established that the matter that was brought before the Cabinet of Imran Khan, was for the approval of a Non-disclosure Agreement between the NCA and Government of Pakistan and that was in no way approval of the transfer of funds, approval of any settlement whatsoever. Actually, part of funds were already transferred before the Cabinet meeting which establishes that the Cabinet had nothing to do with the transfer of funds.
NAB also admitted that the NCA press release had categorically said that there was ‘no finding of guilt’ by the NCA and settlement was of civil nature. Further NAB could not present any evidence to even question the funds transferred from the UK to Pakistan or even having gone from Pakistan originally.
During the trial, the IO also admitted that NAB had earlier closed this case in 2020 and it was aware of the whole settlement and transfer of funds. The IO of NAB also admitted that certain documents of Mashreq Bank were submitted by the Bank in 2023 in the Supreme Court which establishes the funds having been transferred from private/personal accounts of Bahria Town directors/family and not from the NCA.
It was also brought in evidence that earlier Chairman NAB, Aftab Sultan resigned from his post due to his refusal to sign this reference being without any merit.
During the trial NAB also admitted that the main accused Imran Khan and Bushra BB have not drawn any pecuniary benefit from the trusteeship of AlQadir Trust and do not even draw any salary or benefit from the educational institution. It was also admitted that the land provided by Bahria Town has a running charitable educational and religious trust on it, benefiting thousands of students.
