Former Defense Minister Pervez Khattak has implicated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan in a contentious financial affair involving £190 million.
Khattak’s testimony, delivered under oath, centers around a briefing given by accountability advisor Shehzad Akbar in 2019.
According to Khattak’s statement, Akbar informed the cabinet that an agreement had been struck between the British and Pakistani governments to repatriate illegally transferred funds amounting to £190 million.
Akbar purportedly presented crucial documents in a sealed envelope during a cabinet meeting, stating that the money was intended to be returned to Pakistan.
However, Khattak’s testimony took a dramatic turn when he alleged that the sealed envelope also contained a note indicating the funds were destined for Malik Riaz, the prominent figure behind Bahria Town. The revelation, reportedly shared with him by a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) investigator, suggested that funds had been disbursed to Riaz even before the cabinet’s formal approval.
During his court appearance at Adiala Jail, Khattak further claimed that objections were raised by several cabinet members, including himself, regarding the secrecy surrounding the agreement and its undisclosed contents. Despite these objections, the additional agenda item was purportedly approved.
The NAB’s response to Khattak’s testimony has been swift, seeking to declare him a tainted witness due to the attributions made to the investigating authority rather than his own direct knowledge.
In a surprising moment during the proceedings, Imran Khan, present in the courtroom, maintained a demeanor of calm and reportedly smiled amidst the unfolding allegations.
