Former Prime Minister Imran Khan found himself under intense scrutiny as the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Rawalpindi, dispatched four separate teams to interrogate him for over nine hours at Adiala Jail.
These teams delved into the £190 million National Crime Agency (NCA) UK case and the Al-Qadir University Trust cases, probing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman about various documents and posing a multitude of questions.
The first team, led by an assistant director of NAB Rawalpindi, spent around two-and-a-half hours questioning Khan, followed by a two-member team focusing on the £190 million and Al-Qadir University Trust cases.
Despite the extensive grilling, the 71-year-old PTI chairman is slated to appear in different Islamabad courts on November 28 and 30 for separate cases.
The Official Secrets Act Special Court’s Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain has summoned Khan on November 28 for the cipher case, while his appeal against the Toshakhana criminal case conviction is set for a hearing on November 30 before an Islamabad High Court bench.
Security Tightened for Potential Court Appearances
In anticipation of Khan’s court appearances in Islamabad, security preparations are in full swing, with the police, administration, and relevant departments finalizing plans to ensure a smooth judicial process.
Special Branch and other departments have begun collecting classified information to aid in planning the security measures for the former premier. Three potential routes for Khan’s transfer to the Judicial Complex are being considered, with Peshawar Road emerging as the preferred option.
Security measures include the partial sealing of the Red Zone and the deployment of police and paramilitary forces around the Judicial Complex.
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As Khan faces legal battles on multiple fronts, the complexities of his situation extend beyond the courtroom. His jail trial, initially declared null and void by the IHC, adds an additional layer of uncertainty.
The 71-year-old’s legal journey, marked by appeals, convictions, and subsequent arrests, underscores the persistent challenges that have characterized his post-prime ministerial phase.
NAB Interrogation
During the NAB interrogation at Adiala Jail, serious allegations of corruption emerged against Imran Khan and his wife in connection with the Al Qadir Trust case. The NAB officials questioned Khan for hours regarding accusations of obtaining billions of rupees and extensive land from Bahria Town Ltd during the previous PTI government.
The case revolves around the alleged illegal acquisition of land for the construction of Al Qadir University, involving benefits given in the recovery of prime proceeds through the UK’s National Crime Agency in a money laundering case against real estate tycoon Malik Riaz and his family.
The notice served to Khan and his wife accuses them of misleading the cabinet by concealing facts related to the settlement agreement. Instead of depositing the recovered funds in the national treasury, the money was allegedly adjusted against the liabilities of Bahria Town Karachi.
In return for this favor, Bahria Town Ltd is said to have provided material and monetary benefits, including land, money, and buildings, disguised as donations to Al Qadir University Trust.
With the Supreme Court’s recent order to transfer a substantial amount from the Bahria Town settlement to the federal government, the legal complexities surrounding Imran Khan’s incarceration continue to intensify.