slamabad High Court sets key hearing on convictions in high-profile corruption reference
According to Beyond Time News, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) will hear appeals filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi on Thursday. The appeals challenge their convictions in the £190 million corruption reference.
Bench to Hear the Case
The court registrar issued the cause list on Wednesday. It confirmed that a two-member bench will hear the case. Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif will conduct the hearing.
Earlier, the case was scheduled for April 22. However, authorities postponed it due to Iran–US negotiations and restrictions in the Red Zone.
Read more:Imran Khan Receives Fourth Eye Injection During Follow-Up Treatment at PIMS
Background of the Conviction
In January last year, an accountability court sentenced Imran Khan to 14 years in prison. It also sentenced Bushra Bibi to seven years.
The case was filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). It relates to allegations linked to the Al-Qadir Trust, a welfare organization established in 2018.
Investigators claim the trust received land worth millions of dollars from a property tycoon. They also allege that the funds were part of a deal involving repatriated money from the United Kingdom.
According to the prosecution, the previous government used those funds to settle penalties for the businessman instead of depositing them into the national treasury.
Imran Khan has rejected all allegations. He maintains that neither he nor his wife gained any personal benefit from the trust or related transactions.
Appeals Seek Suspension of Sentences
The Islamabad High Court is currently hearing appeals that request suspension of the sentences. Both petitioners argue that the accountability court’s decision lacks legal grounds.
Related Legal Developments
In a separate case, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) submitted a challan in the prohibited funding case involving Imran Khan and others.
Officials said the document was filed with the Special Court (Commercial Banking Circle) in Islamabad. After review, the case will proceed to a regular hearing.
Authorities allege financial irregularities and foreign funding violations in that case as well.
What Happens Next
The upcoming hearing is important for both legal and political reasons. The court’s decision may affect the status of ongoing appeals in the £190 million reference.
The case remains one of the most closely watched legal battles involving a former prime minister in Pakistan.
