The Accountability Court in Adiala Jail has adjourned the hearing of the 190-million-pound reference against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi until July 13.
Former defense minister Pervez Khattak recorded his statement during the proceedings, which saw several developments.
Khtattak told the court that former accountability czar Shahzad Akbar told the then cabinet that a substantial amount of money allegedly illegally transferred out of Pakistan had been seized in Britain. Akbar told the meeting that efforts were underway to repatriate the seized funds to Pakistan, he further said.
Documents related to the financial transactions were presented to the cabinet in a sealed envelope, with approval sought for additional agenda items, Khattak claimed.
During the hearing, Imran Khan was seen smiling on the rostrum as Khattak delivered his statement. Khan even cracked a joke while his former ally recorded his statement. He said: "Now even Nawaz Sharif's flats should also be returned to Pakistan," he remarked.
Khattak recorded his statement in 15 minutes and left the court.
The session was presided over by Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Ali Warraich in Adiala Jail. The case has seen recording of statements from 31 witnesses, with cross-examination completed for 30 of them. Notably, the former prime minister's principal secretary Azam Khan and former minister Zubaidah Jalal could not appear to record their statements.
Both Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan were presented before the courtroom from jail, represented by their legal team comprising lawyers Usman Riaz Gul and Chaudhry Zaheer Abbas. On behalf of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Amjad Parvez and Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi appeared with their legal team.
Meanwhile, outside Adiala Jail, journalists faced obstruction and manhandling by Elite Force personnel. They were prevented from recording videos of the rain and were subsequently arrested and taken to Adiala Jail checkpost.
The adjournment of the hearing sets the stage for further developments in this high-profile case involving allegations of financial impropriety and international legal intricacies.
This ongoing case continues to draw attention due to its implications for political figures and its intersection with international financial regulations.
