£190 million reference: Court records statements of four more witnesses

RAWALPINDI: The Accountability Court Monday recorded the statements of four more witnesses in the 190-million pound reference against the PTI founder chairman Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.

Judge Nasir Javed Rana heard the case in the Adiala jail. Imran and Bushra were present in the court. The former ruling couple’s lawyers, Usman Gul and Zaheer Abbas, were also in the court.

The court recorded the statements of witnesses, while the lawyers of accused completed the cross-examination of one witness. The court adjourned further hearing to May 3. A total of 25 witness statements have been recorded and cross-examination of 16 witnesses has been completed.

Talking informally to the media in the courtroom, Imran said consultations on the issue of Public Accounts Committee chairman were ongoing adding that Sher Afzal Marwat, Barrister Gohar Khan, Barrister Ali Zafar and others were part of the process.

To a question, Imran said he was not being allowed to consult. However, he said the name would be finalised on Tuesday (today).

The PTI founder said his fundamental rights had been seized by banning his media talk. “How can I harm the institutions? Our case is in the Supreme Court. Our petitions are not being heard. My term cannot be compared with the present administration’s. In the current situation, only investment can save Pakistan.”

Imran added: “Except Ali Amin Gandapur, Umar Ayub and Shibli Faraz, no one has been allowed to talk to the establishment. I only met the party leaders for thirty minutes. Only after consulting the name of PAC chairman, I will tell you that Ali Amin Gandapur’s statement of occupying Islamabad is correct,” said Imran.