Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case. Khan, who was taken into custody outside the Islamabad High Court, is expected to be presented before an accountability court on Wednesday, according to a source from the NAB.
Khan’s Detention and Court Appearance
The Dawn newspaper reported that Imran Khan is likely to remain in NAB custody for a period of four to five days. The NAB source stated their intention to keep Khan under custody for the specified duration. The former Prime Minister will be presented before an accountability court, where the charges against him related to the Al-Qadir Trust case will be addressed.
The Al-Qadir Trust Case
The arrest of Imran Khan is linked to corruption allegations surrounding the Al-Qadir University Trust, a project that aimed to provide quality education in Jhelum, Punjab. During his tenure as Prime Minister, Khan had pledged to develop this educational initiative, which saw the involvement of his wife Bushra Bibi, as well as close aides such as Zulfiqar Bukhari and Babar Awan.
To realize his promise, Khan established the Al-Qadir University Project Trust, with Bibi, Bukhari, and Awan named as office bearers. The project entered into a deal with property tycoon Malik Riaz during the tenure of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, resulting in an alleged loss of $239 million to the national exchequer. Critics claim that the trust received substantial donations in 2021 for the construction of the institute, but official records failed to account for these funds.
Media reports highlighted a discrepancy in the trust’s financial records, revealing that approximately Rs 180 million was received, while expenses recorded amounted to only around Rs 8.52 million. This revelation brought the scandal to the public’s attention.
Protests Erupt as Khan’s Party Calls for Support
Following Imran Khan’s arrest, his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), called for nationwide protests in response to what they perceive as a politically motivated move. Supporters of Khan have taken to the streets in various parts of the country to express their solidarity with the former Prime Minister.
Khan’s Response and Multiple Cases
Imran Khan has consistently denied the corruption charges leveled against him and dismissed them as politically motivated. Since his removal from power in April of last year through a parliamentary vote of no confidence, Khan has faced more than 100 cases, including allegations of corruption, terrorism, and even blasphemy. The 70-year-old politician maintains his innocence and claims that these legal actions are part of a larger political agenda.
As the proceedings unfold, the arrest of Imran Khan in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust case marks a significant development in Pakistan’s political landscape. The accountability court’s verdict and subsequent legal proceedings will shed light on the corruption allegations surrounding the educational project and determine the future course for Khan and his party.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
