The Accountability Court of Islamabad has sentenced Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan to 14 years in prison and a Rs1 million fine after finding him guilty in the £190 million reference case.
Imran's wife, Bushra Bibi, has been sentenced to seven years in prison and a Rs500,000 fine.
The court ordered the confiscation of the land belonging to Al-Qadir University, which was placed at the government's disposal.
The verdict in the reference case was announced by Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana at Adiala Jail.
According to the judgement, Imran Khan was sentenced under Section 10A of NAB Ordinance 1999. "The PTI founder has been found guilty," the verdict read, adding that the former prime minister was found involved in corruption.
It further said Bushra Bibi was found guilty of aiding and abetting her husband's crime and sentenced under Section 10A of the NAB Ordinance.
According to the verdict, the defence lawyers could not challenge the prosecution's evidence, as the prosecution's case was based on documentary evidence and proven correct. The prosecution presented solid, authentic, coherent, undeniable, reliable, and reliable testimony. Even the lengthy cross-examination of several witnesses, including the investigating officer, could not sway them, as the testimonies were consistent and coherent, it added.
It further said that there may be minor contradictions, which is natural in white-collar crimes. Despite ample opportunities, the prosecution’s position could not be refuted and the documentary evidence presented in the defence of the accused was also out of date.
According to the verdict, the legal references presented by the defense counsel were also irrelevant to the facts of the case. In light of the testimonies, the acquittal applications of the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi were rejected.
The court directed that copies of the verdict be provided to the accused free of charge. If the accused wish, they can appeal against the verdict at the relevant forum, the judgement concluded.
A warrant for the implementation of Bushra Bibi's sentence was sent to the jail administration, and she was arrested from Adiala Jail.
The reference includes absconding suspects such as Malik Riaz, Ali Riaz, Farhat Shehzadi, Shehzad Akbar, Zulfi Bukhari, and Zia-ul-Mustafa Naseem. The court has issued permanent arrest warrants for the absconding accused.
Deputy Director of NAB, Mian Umar Nadeem, the investigation officer in the 190-million-pound reference case, was also present at Adiala Jail.
The trial for this high-profile case was completed on December 18, 2024. However, the verdict announcement has been delayed three times. Initially scheduled for December 23, 2024, it was postponed to January 6 and then to January 13 due to various reasons, including the accused's absence. On January 14, the court issued a written order setting January 17 as the date for the final decision.
PTI Leadership Condemns Verdict, Vows to Appeal in High Court
Barrister Gohar, speaking on behalf of PTI, has termed the sentencing of Bushra Bibi as a continuation of controversial decisions, adding that such rulings are an embarrassment.
He stated, "The founder remarked that those who deliver unjust verdicts are rewarded with promotions. Despite the unjust treatment, neither the founder nor we are disheartened. Bushra Bibi, even after hearing the decision, smiled."
Bushra Bibi has been sentenced to seven years in prison, which PTI has called discriminatory and unfair. "This is a case of political revenge. The founder has committed no crime and gained no benefit," Barrister Gohar emphasized.
The PTI leadership has announced plans to file an appeal in the High Court within a few days. "The founder will never give up or compromise. Soon, he will be exonerated and released with dignity," Gohar said, expressing confidence in the judicial process.
Highlighting the founder's 27-year struggle for justice, Gohar added, "Justice has not been served yet, but it will be achieved."
Regarding ongoing negotiations, the founder has stated that talks will continue, but if no progress is made on the commission within seven days, discussions will cease.
Gohar concluded by asserting that this sentence, like previous ones, will also be overturned, and that the founder has even placed a trust under government control in good faith.
