Rangers personnel on Tuesday arrested Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in a case related to Al-Qadri Trust.
The arrest was made under a warrant issued by the anti-corruption watchdog National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Chairman NAB Lt Gen (retd) Nazir Ahmad Butt signed the arrest warrant of Imran Khan and left to perform Umrah.
The Al-Qadir Trust case relates to the illegal acquisition and construction of land for Al-Qadir University in recovery of the principal amount (190 million British pounds) given by the National Crime Agency (NCA), United Kingdom (UK). Legal interest is included. .
The cricketer-turned-politician was detained by the anti-graft body after completing the legal procedures of inquiry and investigation within its purview.
So, what’s going to happen?
As news spread that Khan – who was ousted in a no-confidence vote in April last year – had been arrested, protests broke out across the country. If the party does not stop, it can go on for several days.
Since he has been taken into custody, Khan will undergo a medical check-up first.
An initial investigation will be conducted regarding this case. Additionally, a Joint Investigation Team (CIT) headed by Director Naveed Haider has also been constituted in the 498 kanal land case.
They will be housed in a special room at NAB Rawalpindi which was renovated a week ago. Many former prime ministers have been kept in this room during their detention.
The authorities will produce the PTI chief in the concerned court tomorrow and obtain his physical remand for further information.
Further, the PTI’s six-member committee, also known as the “Emergency Committee”, will announce the next course of action.
What is Al Qadir Trust Case?
The former prime minister, along with his wife Bushra Bibi and other PTI leaders, is facing an NAB inquiry into the collusion between the PTI government and a property tycoon, which allegedly cost the national exchequer £190 million.
According to the charges, Khan and the other accused allegedly adjusted 50 billion rupees – 190 million pounds at the time – sent to the government by Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA).
He is also accused of obtaining illegal benefits in the form of more than 458 kanals of land at Mouza Bakrala, Sohawa for the establishment of Al-Qadir University.