Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were convicted on Friday in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust corruption case. Khan, aged 72, received a 14-year prison sentence, while Bushra Bibi, 50, was handed a seven-year jail term. The court also imposed fines of 1 million Pakistani rupees on Khan and 500,000 rupees on his wife.

The case, filed by Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in December 2023, accused the couple of causing a financial loss of £190 million (50 billion Pakistani rupees) to the national exchequer. The charges stem from allegations that Khan and Bushra Bibi misused public funds returned to Pakistan by the UK and facilitated the illegal transfer of government land.

Details of the Case

The allegations center on claims that funds meant for the national treasury were diverted during Khan’s tenure as prime minister. These funds, reportedly returned by the United Kingdom, were allegedly used for personal gain, including the establishment of Al-Qadir University in Jhelum.

Bushra Bibi, as a trustee of the Al-Qadir Trust, is accused of benefiting directly by acquiring 458 kanals of land for the university. NAB prosecutors further allege that Khan played a central role in diverting funds into a private account that was then used to acquire Bahria Town land in Karachi.

Although the case involved multiple individuals, only Khan and his wife were prosecuted, as the other accused—among them a high-profile property developer—are reportedly outside Pakistan.

Denials and Political Implications

Khan has denied the charges, labeling them as politically motivated. He remains incarcerated, with this case marking his fourth major conviction. Previously, he faced imprisonment in 2023 on various charges but was acquitted in the Toshakhana and unlawful marriage cases.

The NAB argued that both Khan and Bushra Bibi failed to provide evidence or documentation for the transactions in question, citing “mala fide intent” in their actions.

Background and Public Unrest

Khan’s first arrest in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust case occurred in May 2023. His detention led to widespread protests, with supporters rioting in major cities. This latest conviction is likely to further inflame tensions in Pakistan’s already polarized political landscape.

Despite the legal setbacks, Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party continues to rally support, accusing the government of targeting Khan to stifle opposition.