Islamabad (Web Desk): An accountability court in Islamabad on Monday delayed its ruling in the £190 million corruption case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former premier Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi.
The verdict, which was initially set for December 23, 2024, was postponed due to the upcoming winter break and a high court course.
Judge Nasir Javed Rana announced that the decision would now be delivered on January 6, 2025.
During the hearing, the couple's lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, argued that the charges were politically motivated and part of a scheme to target Imran Khan and his wife.
The lawyer maintained that the case was aimed at the couple, while another key figure, Hassan Nawaz, the son of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, had not been implicated despite his involvement in related matters.
Safdar also emphasized that Imran Khan, prior to his tenure as PM, was known for his charitable work and raising substantial donations for social causes.
It is pertinent to mention that the case revolves around accusations that while in office, Imran Khan facilitated the transfer of £190 million (Rs50 billion) from the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to Pakistan's government.
This was reportedly done without revealing the full details of the agreement, which mandated that the funds be deposited in the Supreme Court.
Imran Khan has consistently denied the corruption charges, claiming that they were part of a broader political conspiracy orchestrated by his rivals, who he argues misused state institutions to damage his reputation.
The case also implicates other individuals, including Mirza Shehzad Akbar, Zulfi Bukhari, and Farhat Shahzadi, all accused of participating in the misdirection of state funds.
