Defendants and legal team fail to appear; court sets January 27 as the new hearing date
Islamabad (Ghag Report):
The accountability court has once again postponed the final verdict in the £190 million corruption case involving PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. Neither the defendants nor their legal representatives appeared on the scheduled date, leading the court to defer the decision to January 27. Despite legal provisions allowing a verdict to be announced in absentia, the presiding judge chose not to proceed, citing personal leave and making remarks that legal experts described as unorthodox.
The case pertains to allegations of misappropriation of funds tied to a settlement between the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and a prominent Pakistani property tycoon. These funds, meant to be deposited in Pakistan’s national treasury, were allegedly redirected to private accounts linked to PTI leadership. The high-profile nature of the case has kept it at the center of political and legal discourse, with many viewing it as a test of the country’s accountability system.
Despite earlier expectations fueled by government officials and media reports, the court did not announce the verdict. Critics argue that the court could have exercised its authority to deliver the judgment in the absence of the accused. Furthermore, no notices or penalties were issued to ensure their presence, raising concerns about judicial efficiency and transparency.
Legal analysts and political commentators have criticized the repeated delays, suggesting they undermine public trust in the judicial system. The judge’s decision to postpone the verdict, rather than announce it or take disciplinary measures, has sparked widespread debate.
This case holds significant political implications, with detractors accusing the judiciary of favoritism, while PTI supporters claim the trial is an attempt to tarnish Imran Khan’s reputation. As January 27 approaches, attention remains fixed on the accountability court, as the public awaits a resolution to this critical case.