Decision on Bushra’s acquittal plea in £190m case likely today

ISLAMABAD. Accountability Court Islamabad Judge Nasir Javed Rana reserved a verdict on a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, seeking her acquittal in the £190 million settlement reference. The court is set to announce the verdict on Thursday (today).

The accountability court conducted the hearing at the Adiala jail, Rawalpindi, and reserved its verdict after hearing arguments from both sides.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) opposed Bushra Bibi’s petition for acquittal. Both the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi were present in the courtroom. However, the NAB investigating officer could not be cross-examined due to the absence of PTI lawyer.

During the hearing, lawyer Usman Riaz Gul represented Bushra Bibi arguing for her acquittal. The court also declared the contempt petition against the NAB chairman ineffective, stating that arguments on the plea for acquittal rendered the contempt petition irrelevant.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan warned of a nationwide protest movement if any attempt was made to undermine the Supreme Court authority.

Speaking informally to journalists at Adiala jail after attending the hearing of £190m case, Imran criticised efforts to weaken the national institutions. The former premier expressed concern over the appointment of “corrupt and incompetent individuals” to key positions, arguing that such decisions were damaging the nation.

He cited the Pakistan cricket team’s recent whitewash by Bangladesh as an example, blaming poor leadership and appointments for decline of the sport. He raised concern over delayed court rulings, particularly regarding the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), which he believed were being postponed until a verdict was reached in his reference case.

The PTI founder pointed out that several high-profile cases involving former PM Nawaz Sharif and incumbent PM Shehbaz Sharif, along with President Asif Zardari, were stalled due to the pending NAB ruling.

Imran alleged that there were attempts to close down the Al-Qadir University, stressing that while it would not affect him personally, the closure of Shaukat Khanum Hospital would greatly impact the public. He reiterated that the SC remains one of the last institutions representing the country’s integrity and any effort to destroy it would be met with nationwide protests.