The Islamabad High Court is scheduled to hear appeals today from former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, regarding their convictions in a major graft case involving 190 million pounds.
A division bench consisting of Justice Muhammad Asif and Chief Justice Sardar Sarfaraz Dogar will preside over the pleas this Thursday. The couple sought recourse from the high court following sentences handed down by an accountability court earlier this year.
The Al-Qadir Trust Case
The legal proceedings stem from the Al-Qadir Trust case, too known as the 190 million pounds case. Allegations suggest that in 2019, Khan and his associates adjusted Rs 50 billion—equivalent to 190 million pounds at the time—which had been returned to Pakistan by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA).
These funds were reportedly linked to assets belonging to a property tycoon that had been seized abroad. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed a reference in December 2023, accusing the former prime minister of approving a confidential settlement with the British agency without disclosing the details.
Sentencing and Legal Challenges
In January 2025, Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana sentenced Imran Khan to 14 years in prison. Bushra Bibi was awarded a seven-year term in the same case.
Beyond the graft case, a banking court in Islamabad has also set a hearing for today regarding a prohibited funding case. Authorities have submitted a charge sheet naming Khan as the prime accused, along with several other individuals.
Health Concerns and Incarceration
Imran Khan has remained in jail since August 2023, facing a variety of charges ranging from terrorism to corruption following his removal from office in April 2022 via a no-confidence motion.
His sister, Aleema Khan, raised alarms on Tuesday regarding his deteriorating health. She has urged authorities to transfer him to Shifa International Hospital for better medical care, stating his condition is worsening “day by day.”
Aleema Khan specifically warned that complications in one eye could now affect the second eye. She further alleged that jail authorities have provided “misleading information” about his health and called for transparent medical supervision.
Potential Next Steps
The high court’s decision on the appeals could lead to a modification of the previous sentences or a continuation of the current incarceration. Depending on the court’s findings, the legal team may pursue further challenges or seek a suspension of the sentence.
the requested transfer to a private hospital may be reviewed by authorities if the medical evidence provided by the family is deemed critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific charges in the Al-Qadir Trust case?
The case involves allegations that Imran Khan and associates adjusted Rs 50 billion (190 million pounds) returned to Pakistan by the UK’s National Crime Agency, which was linked to a property tycoon’s seized assets.
What sentences were issued to Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in January 2025?
Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana sentenced Imran Khan to 14 years in prison and Bushra Bibi to seven years.
What health issues has Aleema Khan reported regarding her brother?
Aleema Khan reported that her brother’s health is worsening, specifically noting complications in one eye and a risk to the second eye, leading to a request for his transfer to Shifa International Hospital.
Do you believe the judiciary should prioritize medical transfers for incarcerated political leaders during ongoing appeals?
