Maps
Magazine

LEGAL

£190 Million Case Against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi: Statements on Nov 8
The 190 million pound reference against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi reaches its final stage, with 35 witnesses cross-examined and statements scheduled for November 8.
ND
by News Desk
2024-11-06
£190 Million Case Against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi: Statements on Nov 8

The high-profile 190 million pound reference against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi has entered its final stage, with the cross-examination of witnesses now complete. During a hearing at Adiala Jail Rawalpindi on Tuesday, the Accountability Court confirmed that all necessary evidence had been presented, and statements from both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi will be recorded on November 8.

 

The case, which involves allegations of financial misconduct linked to a £190 million transaction, has been ongoing for months. The cross-examination of 35 witnesses has now concluded, and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has confirmed it will not present additional evidence in the case.

 

Completion of Witness Cross-Examination

 

The lawyers representing Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, Chaudhry Zaheer Abbas and Usman Gul respectively, have completed the cross-examination of all 35 witnesses. The final witness, Mian Umar Nadeem, who had provided a statement in the reference, was questioned over the course of 37 hearings. Chaudhry Zaheer Abbas, who is representing Imran Khan, completed his cross-examination in 20 hearings, while Bushra Bibi's lawyer, Usman Gul, took 14 hearings to cross-examine the witnesses.

 

The cross-examination of the investigating officer, which began on July 30, was also completed during the hearing on Tuesday. This marked the conclusion of a crucial phase in the legal proceedings.

 

Next Steps and Statements

 

With the evidence now closed, the court has scheduled the recording of the statements of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi for November 8. The court will provide both parties with the 342 statement questionnaires, which will form the basis of their formal testimony. The statements will be recorded in a crucial step that could determine the future of the reference.

 

Both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi attended the hearing on Tuesday. The former Prime Minister of Pakistan was brought to court from jail, while his wife, Bushra Bibi, appeared from outside the prison.

 

NAB’s Position and Court Proceedings

 

At the start of the hearing, NAB’s prosecutor informed the court that the prosecution did not wish to present any further evidence in the case. The Accountability Court, led by Judge Nasir Javed Rana, has adjourned the hearing until November 8, when the final statements will be taken.

 

The £190 million reference involves accusations that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were involved in financial irregularities and money laundering. The case has attracted significant attention due to the high profile of the accused and the nature of the allegations.

 

Looking Ahead

 

As the case enters its final stages, the focus will shift to the statements of the accused. The court’s decision on whether the charges are substantiated or dismissed will depend largely on the content of these statements, as well as the extensive body of evidence presented over the course of the proceedings.

 

The outcome of this reference is expected to have a significant impact on the political landscape in Pakistan, particularly for Imran Khan’s PTI party, as the case could influence public perceptions and the party’s future.

 

The court’s final decision is awaited by both supporters and critics of the former prime minister as the legal battle continues.
Tagged:

NAB

ImranKhan

AccountabilityCourt

BushraBibi
Share News: