Imran says £190m case verdict predetermined: Aleema

RAWALPINDI: Aleema Khan Thursday quoted the PTI founder Imran Khan as saying that the verdict in the Al-Qadir case seemed pre-determined.

Speaking to the media outside the Adiala jail here, she said according to the party founder, “The decision was delayed only to keep a sword hanging over my head and force me to negotiate.”

Aleema shared that Imran demanded that the verdict be announced without further delay.

She said Imran had sent a message, emphasizing the importance of discussing the Al-Qadir case. Regarding May 9 and November 26 incidents, the PTI founder called for investigations by the Supreme Court’s senior-most judges and he would accept whatever verdict the judges gave after fair investigations.

He demanded the constitution of a judicial commission under neutral judges and release of individuals detained without trial. Aleema reiterated Imran’s stance that no deal was being made.

Imran also raised concerns over ‘deliberate injustices’.

Imran said donors were ready to contribute billions for institutions like Shaukat Khanum and Namal University. He argued that the donors contributed Rs9 billion to Shaukat Khanum annually, so funding for Al-Qadir should not be questioned.

“I am the first player to advocate neutral umpires, even for May 9 and November 26 incidents. Let’s invite the three senior-most judges of the Supreme Court to investigate. I will not stand in the way of their decision.” He emphasized that injustice occurred when innocent people were imprisoned without evidence.

“Imran pointed out flaws in the ongoing cases. While the accusations involve setting fire to burning, no investigative officer has provided concrete evidence in the court. Such cases cannot proceed without evidence,” Imran asserted.

He reiterated the negotiation committee’s two primary demands: formation of a judicial commission led by neutral judges; and release of innocent detainees.

Aleema dismissed the idea of any secret deal, adding that the founder’s stance had always been open to dialogue. However, she lamented lack of direct communication from the other side, relying instead on second-hand information.

Concluding her statement, she mentioned that the party founder had welcomed the possibility of dialogue, referencing to reports of a meeting between Ali Amin, Gohar and the army chief, calling it a positive and hopeful development.