Mon Dec 23 08:27:08 UTC 2024: ## Islamabad Court Postpones Verdict in Imran Khan Corruption Case

**ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN** – An Islamabad accountability court has postponed the verdict in the high-profile Al-Qadir Trust corruption case against former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. The verdict, initially scheduled for December 23rd, has been delayed due to the court’s upcoming winter vacation, which begins December 24th. Judge Nasir Javed Rana announced the postponement today, stating a new date will be issued soon.

The case, involving alleged illicit land deals and the transfer of 190 million GBP (approximately $230 million USD), accuses Khan and Bibi of receiving billions of rupees and land in exchange for legalizing funds returned to Pakistan by the United Kingdom. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) alleges Khan played a key role in the transfer of state funds and that the accused deliberately withheld information.

Several other individuals, including property tycoon Malik Riaz Hussain and his son, are also implicated in the case and have been declared proclaimed offenders after failing to cooperate with the investigation. Their properties have been frozen.

Khan, who has been imprisoned since last year on multiple charges, has vehemently denied the accusations, calling them politically motivated. The case comes amid heightened political tensions in Pakistan, with Khan’s party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), staging large protests demanding his release and accusing the government of weaponizing state institutions. Negotiations between the government and PTI are currently underway to address the ongoing political crisis. The postponement of the verdict is expected to further fuel the already tense political climate.

Read More