IMRAN Khan’s tenure as PM was marred by numerous allegations of corruption, but none more explosive than recent revelations surrounding a case of international financial misconduct involving National Crime Agency (NCA) in the UK. The alleged misappropriation of 190 million pounds, intended for Pakistan’s national exchequer, reveals a sinister web of deceit involving former Prime Minister, key members of his cabinet and Malik Riaz. The scheme not only compromised country’s financial integrity but also led to illicit gains for the accused, all under the guise of charitable donations and philanthropic projects.
At the centre of this controversy is role of Imran Khan and his close associate, Mirza Shahzad Akbar. Together, they are accused of orchestrating a fraudulent funds repatriation deal involving Bahria Town, the real estate empire owned by Malik Riaz. The scandal traces its roots to 2019, when an agreement was forged between Pakistani officials and NCA for repatriation of funds seized from Malik Riaz in UK. Instead of returning money to Pakistan’s treasury, funds were diverted to a liability account linked to Bahria Town, effectively channelling 190 million pounds away from the state.
This massive betrayal has far-reaching consequences, as funds meant for Pakistan were diverted to settle Bahria Town’s debts through a “Confidentiality Deed” signed by Shahzad Akbar in November 2019, well before it reached the Federal Cabinet. Akbar concealed the arrangement and misrepresented the situation to the cabinet, with Imran Khan, as PM, allegedly allowing it to happen, ensuring the funds went to Malik Riaz. In return, Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, are said to have received significant benefits, including 458 kanals of land and a 285 million rupee donation to their Al Qadir University Trust, raising serious ethical and legal concerns. The land, initially registered under Malik Riaz’s associates, was later transferred to the Trust, cementing the connection between the fraud’s beneficiaries. The sheer scale of this scandal is staggering. It highlights a calculated effort to divert state resources for private gain, with government officials using their positions to conceal the true nature of the transactions. The fact that these actions were carried out with apparent impunity—leveraging the powers of PM office, Asset Recovery Unit (ARU) and the support of key figures like Zulfi Bukhari—underscores the depth of institutional corruption involved.
What makes this case particularly troubling is not just the diversion of funds but the abuse of public office for personal gain. The NCA’s investigation into the matter revealed that the funds were funnelled into a special account registered under Supreme Court’s Registrar, a move that misled officials about the true destination of the money. This legal sleight of hand allowed Malik Riaz’s Bahria Town to benefit from the repatriation, not the Pakistani government or its people. The fact that no one within the bureaucracy questioned this transaction raises alarms about the degree of control and influence exerted by the accused parties.
In addition to financial ramifications, the case also underscores a dangerous precedent set by those in power. Imran Khan, once a champion of anti-corruption rhetoric, stands accused of using his position to enable one of Pakistan’s most controversial businessmen to evade justice. The stakes are not merely financial; this case signals the erosion of public trust in the integrity of the highest offices of the country. When the Prime Minister and his associates are implicated in such high-profile corruption cases, it raises doubts about the future of governance in Pakistan and the ability of the legal system to hold the powerful accountable.
While Malik Riaz may have been the primary beneficiary of the fraud, it is clear that a network of individuals—including Shahzad Akbar, Zulfi Bukhari and even Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi—played instrumental roles in executing and covering up this scheme. Each of these individuals has been implicated in aiding and abetting the commission of these offenses, from signing fraudulent documents to overseeing the illegal transfer of assets.
The Al Qadir University case is more than just a financial scandal; it is a symbol of the systemic corruption that continues to plague Pakistan. It is a stark reminder of how those in positions of power can exploit the machinery of the state for personal gain. As the investigation progresses, it is crucial that accountability mechanisms are strengthened and those responsible for this brazen misconduct are held to account. The people of Pakistan deserve better.
In conclusion, the 190 million pound funds repatriation case involving Imran Khan, Malik Riaz and their associates represents a serious betrayal of the public trust. As the nation watches closely, it is imperative that justice prevails and that the perpetrators of this high-level corruption are brought to justice. Only then can Pakistan begin to heal from this deep wound inflicted upon its governance and its people.
—The writer is regular contributor based in Rawalpindi.
