Imran Khan leaves NAB during a four-hour inquiry into the Al-Qadir Trust case.
RAWALPINDI: PTI Chairman Imran Khan concluded his questioning at the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) office in Rawalpindi on Tuesday after undergoing an extensive four-hour investigation in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust case.
This case revolves around allegations that Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, acquired billions of rupees and a significant amount of land from Bahria Town Ltd, as part of a scheme to legalize 50 billion rupees. Subsequently, the UK government identified and returned this sum during the tenure of the PTI government.
Imran Khan and his wife arrived at the NAB office just after noon, where heightened security measures were implemented. While Imran Khan was being interrogated inside, Bushra Bibi waited in their bullet-proof vehicle outside the bureau. The NAB’s Combined Investigation Team presented Imran Khan with a questionnaire related to the case, seeking his responses to various inquiries.
One of the questions inquired about the circumstances surrounding the preparation and approval of a summary in December 2019 for the return of the illicit funds from the UK. It also asked why the suspect received land for Al-Qadir University and other financial benefits in exchange.
The questionnaire also probed the abuse of power while holding the highest public office, the acquisition of monetary benefits through the abuse of power, the criminal act of returning illegal funds to the suspects, the secrecy surrounding letters and correspondence with the British National Crime Agency, and the secrecy of the summary for the East Recovery Unit.
This investigation follows an incident on May 9 when Imran Khan was apprehended by paramilitary forces at the Islamabad High Court and subsequently triggered violent protests nationwide. Although he immediately sought release through the high court, his arrest was initially deemed lawful. However, the Supreme Court later ruled it as unlawful, resulting in his release.
In a separate development, an accountability court granted bail to Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, in the same case until May 31.
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PTI lawyer Babar Awan dismissed the Al-Qadir Trust case as a mere “propaganda stunt.” He argued that according to the new NAB law, legal action can only be taken against individuals if they have personally gained ill-gotten funds. Awan claimed that the PTI workers were being unjustly imprisoned through fabricated cases and emphasized their commitment to fighting for democracy, upholding the rule of law, and preserving the constitution in the country.
Regarding the NAB investigation, Awan demanded an apology from the government to both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi for their involvement in the case.
