The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has granted a final opportunity to lawyers representing former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to present arguments in the high-profile £190 Million Case.
According to a written order issued on Friday, IHC Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif directed the legal team to complete their arguments on May 20. The court also instructed all parties to ensure their presence at the next hearing and avoid unnecessary delays.
The court order stated that repeated adjournments would not be encouraged in the case due to its importance and public significance.
During the hearing, lawyer Sardar Salman Safdar requested another adjournment on behalf of the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi. However, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) opposed the request.
The court observed that during the previous hearing, all parties had already been instructed to appear and continue arguments related to the appeals. Despite this direction, the legal team sought another postponement instead of proceeding with the case.
The judges stated in the written order that the grounds presented for adjournment were weak. The court also noted that the main appeals in the £190 Million Case had originally been filed by Salman Safdar.
Considering the sensitivity and legal importance of the matter, the court said it was granting one final opportunity for arguments.
The order directed Salman Safdar to make necessary arrangements and present final arguments during the next hearing scheduled for May 20.
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are seeking suspension of their sentences until a final decision is made on their appeals in the £190 Million Case.
The case involves allegations that the former prime minister and his wife received benefits through a settlement linked to property tycoon Malik Riaz. According to NAB, the arrangement allegedly caused a loss of Rs50 billion, equivalent to around £190 million, to the national treasury.
Investigators claim the money had originally been recovered by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency. The funds were reportedly meant to be transferred to Pakistan’s national treasury.
However, authorities allege that the amount was instead adjusted against fines imposed on Malik Riaz in a separate government land acquisition matter.
The accountability watchdog also alleges that the couple benefited through land provided for Al-Qadir University in Jhelum. Reports say around 458 kanals of land were acquired under the settlement arrangement.
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Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi have denied wrongdoing in the matter, while court proceedings in the £190 Million Case continue before the Islamabad High Court.
