Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has firmly dismissed claims of a rift within the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), stating that decisions regarding party members who have left are still pending. Speaking after court proceedings in the £190 million corruption case, where his wife, Bushra Bibi, was granted post-arrest bail, Khan emphasised that there are no major differences among PTI leaders, although he acknowledged some divisions. He plans to address these issues during a routine visit to Adiala Jail on July 4.
Khan also addressed the recent U.S. Congress resolution questioning the transparency of the February 8 elections. He criticised the Pakistani government’s response, suggesting it was a moment for reflection rather than rebuttal. He argued that the resolution was a legitimate concern about election transparency, in contrast to previous accusations of U.S. interference, specifically pointing to his earlier allegations against Donald Lu.
Criticism of government policies and call for fresh elections
Khan did not hold back in his critique of the current government’s economic policies. He condemned the government’s approach of increasing taxes and prices instead of reducing its own expenditures, warning that the new budget would exacerbate inflation. Emphasising the need for fair and transparent elections, Khan asserted that a government elected by the public could effectively implement the necessary reforms to revive the economy and alleviate the struggles of the common people.
Legal struggles and allegations of unfair treatment
In his comments, Khan drew attention to what he described as unequal treatment in prison. He compared his situation unfavourably to that of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who, according to Khan, was allowed extensive meetings with party leaders while he himself was denied basic amenities. Khan accused intelligence officials of controlling the prison administration, a claim he has brought before the Islamabad High Court in a petition seeking judicial intervention.
Bushra Bibi granted bail
Earlier, accountability court judge Mohammad Ali Warraich granted post-arrest bail to Bushra Bibi in the £190 million corruption case. Deputy Prosecutor General of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Sardar Muzaffar Khan Abbasi, informed the court that the NAB chairman had not issued arrest warrants for her. Despite being granted bail, Bushra Bibi remains in custody due to her conviction in another case.
During the hearing, the court concluded the cross-examination of three additional witnesses, bringing the total to 27 out of 59. NAB special prosecutor Amjad Pervaiz indicated that the trial of Khan and Bushra Bibi is nearing its conclusion, with about 10 to 15 witnesses expected to be dropped.
Allegations against Imran Khan
The allegations against Khan stem from his time as prime minister, where he is accused of approving the execution of a deed of confidentiality involving the repatriation of £190 million. This sum was to be deposited into Supreme Court accounts for the settlement of Bahria Town (Pvt) Limited’s liabilities for land in Malir. The approval was allegedly based on a note from Mirza Shahzad Akbar, then chairman of the Assets Recovery Unit (ARU), and presented to the federal cabinet on December 3, 2019.
