Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders for evading accountability, claiming they did not appear in court even though a judge was waiting.
Reacting to comments made by PTI leader Barrister Saif, Bukhari claimed that the judge waited for two hours but the accused never reached the court, Express News reported.
He emphasized that corruption is not just about sending money illicitly abroad; Money laundering that enters the country is considered ‘halal’ corruption.
Bokhari also accused PTI leaders of using charitable organisations, such as Shaukat Khanum and Al-Qadir Trust, to carry out financial transactions for personal gain. “Outspoken liars and the corrupt cannot be sympathizers of the nation,” he added, also condemning the actions of those who have systematically accused their political rivals of corruption while now evading their own responsibility.
He concluded by stating that those who have always criticized others as thieves and robbers are now fleeing justice and cannot escape responsibility forever.
Also, Pakistan PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar today dismissed speculation that the delay in the verdict for party founder Imran Khan was due to a deal.
Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, Barrister Gohar clarified that the decision had been postponed by the judge at his own discretion, not due to any negotiation or political agreement, Express News reported.
“We were waiting here today in Adiala, but the court staff informed us that the decision would be announced on January 17,” said Barrister Gohar.
He added that the attitude of the lower courts has been inappropriate and the cases against Imran Khan were fabricated to put pressure on the PTI founder.
Lawyer Gohar further stated that any rumors of a settlement were baseless.
He noted that PTI’s legal team had heard reports of negotiations scheduled for January 15, but insisted they were not related to the ongoing case.
“There is no relationship between the negotiations and the agreement,” he stressed.
Salman Akram Raja, another senior PTI lawyer, echoed Barrister Gohar’s statement and clarified that the delay was not part of a political deal.
He stressed that the negotiations discussed in the media should not be seen as part of any agreement on the case.
Advocate Gohar also pointed out that since Imran Khan is currently in prison, it is the responsibility of the prison authorities to bring him to court for hearings.
He expressed lack of confidence in lower courts but said the PTI would continue to seek justice through higher courts.
“We have no expectations from these courts, but we do hope that there will be justice in the higher courts, and we will take this case to them,” he concluded.
Earlier today, the Rawalpindi accountability court postponed announcing its verdict for the third time in the £190 million case involving former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi.
Judge Nasir Javed Rana said the verdict had been postponed due to the absence of the accused and their legal representatives, Express News reported.
He said that although he reached the court at 8:30 am and issued two summons for Imran Khan to appear, both Khan and Bushra Bibi did not appear.
The prosecution team from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), along with media and court staff, were present in the courtroom, but no one from the defense was present.
In the absence of both the accused and their lawyers, the judge decided to delay the verdict. The verdict will now be announced on January 17.
The verdict was initially set for December 23, 2024, but the court delayed and rescheduled it for January 6. The new date for the decision is now set for January 13. The £190m landmark trial was completed within a year. . This is the only case involving Imran Khan that has taken a year to conclude.
On November 13, 2023, NAB (National Accountability Bureau) arrested Imran Khan. The court formally charged Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi on February 27, 2024. During the trial, statements of a total of 35 witnesses were recorded in the reference.
