Former Prime Minister Imran Khan Criticizes Delay in £190m Verdict as ‘Pressure Tactics’
Imran Khan, the incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has spoken out against the repeated postponement of the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case verdict, labeling it as a government strategy to apply pressure. In light of the recent developments, Imran’s sister, Aleema Khan, addressed the media outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, shedding light on Imran’s perspective regarding the situation.
Delay in Verdict
The Islamabad accountability court has now delayed the verdict for the third time, with the latest rescheduling setting it for January 13. This decision follows earlier delays on December 23 and January 6, raising concerns about the impartiality of the legal proceedings.
Aleema Khan revealed that Imran believes the constant deferral of the verdict is an attempt to hang a metaphorical sword over his head. Imran is eager for the truth to come to light through a conclusive judgment, emphasizing his commitment to challenging any conviction through legal channels.
Allegations and Negotiations
Contrary to speculations of secret negotiations, Aleema firmly denied any covert dealings, emphasizing Imran’s unwavering focus on proving his innocence. She accused the government of pressuring Imran into accepting an NRO-style deal, either pushing for exile or offering house arrest in exchange for silence.
Imran’s legal team faces obstacles in engaging with him directly due to ongoing negotiations between PTI and the coalition government. Despite outlining a clear agenda for talks, including the investigation of specific incidents and the release of political prisoners, Imran’s team has struggled to directly consult with him.
Cut-off Date and Confidence in Acquittal
Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, leading PTI’s negotiating team, dismissed rumors of backdoor discussions involving Imran’s wife, Bushra Bibi, clarifying her exclusion from the dialogue process. With a deadline of January 31 looming, Imran expects the government to demonstrate sincerity in resolving outstanding issues.
Gohar expressed optimism about Imran and Bushra Bibi’s eventual acquittal in the £190 million case, pointing to witness testimonies refuting Imran’s direct involvement in the alleged financial impropriety. Their legal team remains steadfast in pursuing justice and upholding Imran’s innocence in the face of mounting challenges.
