Pakistan Court To Hear Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi’s Appeal In Al-Qadir Trust Case

ISLAMABAD, Apr 30: A high-profile legal battle involving former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi is set to return to court on Thursday, as the Islamabad High Court prepares to hear their appeal against convictions in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
The case, which has remained at the centre of Pakistan’s political and legal discourse, relates to allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds linked to the Al-Qadir Trust, a welfare organisation that operates an educational institution near Islamabad.
According to the official cause list released by the registrar’s office, the matter will be heard by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif.
Convictions Handed Down Earlier This Year
An accountability court in Islamabad had earlier sentenced 73-year-old Khan to 14 years in prison, while Bushra Bibi received a seven-year jail term after both were found guilty in the case investigated by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
The anti-corruption watchdog alleged that the couple benefited from illegal transactions involving valuable land and financial settlements connected to a prominent real estate businessman.
The appeal against the convictions was initially scheduled for hearing on April 22. However, proceedings were postponed after authorities imposed restrictions in Islamabad’s Red Zone due to anticipated diplomatic developments linked to Iran-US negotiations.
Allegations Linked To Welfare Trust
The Al-Qadir Trust case revolves around claims that land worth millions of dollars was transferred to the trust in return for financial favours extended during Khan’s tenure as prime minister.
Investigators have alleged that funds repatriated from the United Kingdom, amounting to 190 million pounds, were improperly adjusted to settle liabilities on behalf of a private businessman instead of being deposited into Pakistan’s national treasury.
NAB maintains that the arrangement caused significant losses to the state exchequer and constituted abuse of authority by public office holders.
Khan Rejects Corruption Charges
Imran Khan has consistently denied all accusations connected to the case, describing the proceedings as politically motivated. He has maintained that neither he nor Bushra Bibi received any personal financial advantage from the Al-Qadir Trust or related land deals.
The former premier’s legal team is expected to challenge both the findings of the accountability court and the evidence presented by prosecutors during earlier proceedings.
The outcome of the hearing is likely to attract widespread attention in Pakistan, where Khan continues to command strong political support despite facing multiple legal cases and imprisonment.