Islamabad (Web Desk): Federal Minister for Information Tarar recently called out the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for leveraging religious sentiments to further its political agenda.
Speaking at a press conference with religious scholars, Tarar expressed dismay over PTI’s tactics, particularly in light of the £190 million case, which he described as clear-cut and free from any legal ambiguity.
He argued that PTI had resorted to invoking religion only after failing to present a solid legal argument in the case.
Tarar questioned the transparency of the funds recovered by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), asking whether they were ever truly returned to Pakistan, or if they had been handed back to the original individual from whom they were seized.
He referenced statements made by Shahzad Akbar, the former head of the Asset Recovery Unit under PTI’s rule, who in 2020 confirmed that the funds had been transferred to Pakistan. However, Tarar suggested that these funds were surreptitiously returned to the same person after receiving cabinet approval, a move he condemned as a flagrant abuse of power.
The minister went on to accuse PTI of engaging in one of the largest acts of financial misconduct in Pakistan's history.
Tarar also raised concerns about the sources of funds that were allegedly used by PTI leaders and their families to purchase lavish assets, including a luxurious home and extensive property in Lahore.
He said PTI officials had also shown extravagant tastes by demanding costly gifts, such as diamond rings, all while public funds were being misused.
Emphasizing the misappropriation of recovered funds, Tarar noted that the money, which should have been used to improve education, healthcare, and infrastructure in Pakistan, was instead allegedly returned to the original wrongdoer.
The minister also criticized PTI for its actions at religious sites like Masjid-e-Nabwi, where he said political protests had tarnished the sacredness of the mosque.
Further, Tarar accused PTI of using the Al-Qadir Trust to disguise personal enrichment under the guise of religious charity.
He stated that using illicitly acquired funds to construct religious buildings is fundamentally wrong.
The minister reiterated that the PTI leadership had caused global embarrassment with their scandals, yet continued to misuse religion as a political tool.
Tarar stressed that religion should never be exploited for political advantage and reaffirmed the government's commitment to retrieving the nation's stolen wealth for the benefit of its citizens.
The religious scholars present at the event expressed their support for this stance, urging leaders to refrain from using religion to cover up corruption.
During a live session on X (formerly Twitter), he defended the decision against Imran Khan, the founder of PTI, and his wife, asserting that the ruling was based on clear, irrefutable evidence provided by the prosecution.
Tarar went on to accuse Khan and his wife of misappropriating a staggering sum of Rs80 billion, which, he claimed, was used to fund the construction of a lavish house in Lahore.
He pointed out that no PTI member had been able to offer a legitimate explanation for the source of Khan's wealth.
According to Tarar, the misused funds, which belonged to the citizens of Pakistan, were funneled into the Supreme Court's account to benefit a powerful business figure.
In addition, Tarar mentioned that the court had labeled several individuals who assisted Khan and his wife in this major corruption scheme as fugitives.
He indicated that various strategies were being considered to ensure these individuals would face justice.
The minister also made a pointed remark about the now-famous five-carat diamond ring, suggesting that it had gained attention solely due to Bushra Imran.
Tarar concluded by stressing the importance of hearing the appeal based on its true merits, without offering any leniency to those found guilty of such serious misconduct.
