PTI expresses concern over delay in ₹190 million case against Imran, Bushra

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan (left) and the party’s information secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram. — AFP/YouTube/GeoNews/screengrab

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram on Monday called the £190 million bribery case against former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi a “fabricated story” and warned that people would not tolerate injustice if it is committed . against the imprisoned former prime minister.

His comments came hours after an accountability court in Islamabad postponed its verdict, expected today, until January 6 in the corruption case.

At a press conference in Peshawar, the former ruling party’s information secretary called the PTI founder the country’s “greatest leader”.

“The case based on political revenge will also provoke global reactions,” he warned the government.

The PTI leader asked, “Why was the verdict in the ₹190 case postponed?”

Calling the case a “fabricated story”, Akram said the reference was aimed at forcing the PTI founder to bow to the government.

“Why was the verdict (in the case) postponed? Where the judgment is written it causes such problems.”

“There is nothing to worry about,” he said, adding that PTI’s founder was only a trustee of Al-Qadir Trust.

Replying to a question, the PTI information secretary termed the military trial of civilians as a “violation of the country’s constitution and international laws”.

“Civilians should not be tried in military courts,” he added.

As many as 25 people involved in the May 9, 2023, attacks on state installations were sentenced by military courts last week to two to 10 years.

To eliminate political rivals, the incumbent government was even willing to violate international laws, Akram said.

The PTI leader was of the view that his party would use all legal options against the punishments imposed by the military courts.

“The government has laid the foundation to destroy the country’s economy,” he added.

The PTI leader said that GSP plus status was not granted to Sri Lanka due to execution laws in the country.

“Federal government decisions are causing the destruction of Pakistan’s economy.”

To another question, the information secretary of the former ruling party said that the PTI negotiating committee has presented two points to the government team. He urged the government to lift restrictions on meetings with the jailed PTI founder.