ISLAMABAD: Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed stated on Wednesday that the £190 million Al Qadir Trust case has had no impact on the resolve or health of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan.
Speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court, Rashid reiterated his support for the PTI leader, quoting Khan as saying, “Decisions are made in the heavens.” He dismissed speculation about the case’s impact on Khan’s political standing and health, emphasizing that the former Prime Minister remains steadfast.
The Al Qadir Trust case revolves around allegations that Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, accepted land as a bribe from real estate magnate Malik Riaz in exchange for facilitating a settlement of £190 million. Prosecutors claim the settlement allowed Riaz to retain substantial assets tied to the National Crime Agency’s investigation in the UK. The funds were repatriated to Pakistan in 2019 during Khan’s tenure as Prime Minister but were allegedly used to benefit Riaz instead of the state treasury.
In January 2025, an accountability court convicted Khan and Bushra Bibi in the Al Qadir Trust case, sentencing them to 14 and 7 years in prison, respectively. Both have denied the charges and announced plans to appeal the verdict, maintaining that the accusations are politically motivated.
Commenting on the need for judicial oversight, regarding his role in any potential discussions, Rashid stated that he had no direct contact with anyone about the matter.
He stressed that no meaningful negotiations could take place without the establishment of a judicial commission, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing the political challenges facing Pakistan.
Additionally, Rashid touched upon the ongoing case about the voting rights of overseas Pakistanis. Lawyer Sardar Razik, who represented the petition, had his turn delayed in court. The case will now be heard in two weeks, as per the judges’ decision.
Rashid also reiterated the importance of granting voting rights to overseas Pakistanis, highlighting it as a vital step for Pakistan’s democracy.
