Naeem Bokhari slams Imran over Al-Qadir, Toshakhana scandals

KARACHI: Prominent lawyer Naeem Bokhari launched a sharp critique of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief and former prime minister Imran Khan, especially concerning his conduct and decision-making during his time in office.

During an Eid podcast, Bokhari strongly disapproved of Imran Khan’s involvement in the Al-Qadir Trust case, asserting, “[Imran] should never have gone near the land associated with Al-Qadir Trust”.

Bokhari added that had he been Imran’s adviser at the time, he would have advised him to stay away from the land.

During the course of the interview, Naeem Bokhari also did not shy away from questioning Imran’s ability to assess people’s character and said the former PM lacks sound judgment in choosing his advisers. Specifically, he asked how Imran could select someone like Fawad Chaudhry.

He also asked: “How could he choose someone like Babar Awan to be his spiritual adviser?” Referring to the Toshakhana gifts controversy, Bokhari emphasised: “How can you take anything that belongs to the state? Even a ball pen or pencil given as a gift is state property.”

He added that just because some other prime minister had taken state gifts did not mean anyone else could too. Bokhari further remarked that Imran Khan had grown increasingly superstitious, often declaring, “Today is not a good day”. He went on to also criticise Imran’s other superstitions.