ISLAMABAD – PTI founding chairman Imran on Friday moved the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to stop the proceedings in the 190-million-pound case.

The latest development in the high-profile matter, also known as the Al-Qadir Trust case, is being described by many as yet another attempt to delay the process.

In a miscellaneous application submitted before the IHC, Imran, through his counsel Barrister Salman Safdar and Khalid Yousaf Chaudhary, has argued that a board meeting of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in April 2020 had closed the matter. Therefore, the meeting minutes should be provided to him, otherwise the defense would be damaged, he added.

Challenging the Aug 12 orders passed by the trial court, Imran has made NAB Chairman Lt-Gen (retired) Nazir Ahmed as the director general and the prosecutor as respondents.

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He mentioned that the investigation officer had admitted some points regarding the NAB board meeting in question. Therefore, the PTI founder – who is the main accused in the case along with his wife Bushra Bibi – requested that the meeting’s record should be presented before the trial court.

WHAT IS HAPPENING AT THE ACCOUNTABILITY COURT?

The last hearing on Thursday again saw a postponement till Aug 17 [tomorrow] as the defense counsel did not go for cross-examination of the investigation officer on a fifth consecutive occasion. Reason? It will automatically expedite the process.

An accountability court in Rawalpindi presided over by Nasir Javed Rana is hearing the 190-million-pound case.

THE REFERENCE AND THE INDICTMENT

The accountability court had indicted the two accused in the case in late Feb earlier this year.

Earlier in December 2023, NAB had filed the corruption reference against Imran, Bushra and six others.

However, the case involving Zulfikar Bukhari, Farhat Shehzadi [also known as Farah Gogi], Shehzad Akbar and two others was separated.

Imran and his wife are accused of obtained billions of rupees and hundreds of kanals of land for legalizing Rs50 billion – 190 million pounds at the time – that was identified and returned to the country by the UK during when the PTI was still in power.

NAB says Imran played a “pivotal role in the illicit transfer of funds” and deliberately, with mala fide intention, refused to give information on one pretext or another.

A MODULE ON HOW TO SABOTAGE COURT PROCEEDINGS

Defense has used a wide range of tactics used to delay the process while using technicalities. That’s why the trial hasn’t concluded so far despite being initiated in December last year.

An attempt made by the defense counsel continuously to frustrate the court by denying cross-examination of the investigation officer, who is the last witness, should be sufficient to explain the strategy.

It won’t be a surprise if the defense counsel at any stage in future claim that they were not allowed to cross-examine the witness.

Both the accused and their counsel have shown a highly unprofessional attitude during the trial, including being late so that the hearing is adjourned.

At the same time, the defense on several occasion cited the absence of main lawyers due to their engagements at higher judiciary or by relying excuses like their health issues.

Given the fact that the trial is being conducted at Adiala jail because of security issues, Imran and Bushra have used the childish justifications like not being ready and having breakfast or bath to show as if the court is subordinate to them.

Meanwhile, disinformation remains a potent tool for the accused, as the accused also gave false statements that the jail authorities were not allowing the lawyers to enter the court. On the other hand, his counsel remained outside the premises, saying they were waiting for their colleagues.

The list also includes exchanging harsh words with the prosecution lawyers and NAB officials to spoil the court environment and ensure time wasting.

But it comes to delaying the proceedings, filing frivolous applications remains the favorite tool for the accused. The latest application filed with the IHC is an example.

Meanwhile, lawyers like Intezar Panjutha, Naeem Haider Panjutha and Barrister – who are associated with the PTI – attended the hearings only to create disturbance in the courtroom.

On the other hand, political figures like Ali Muhammad Khan, Sardar Latif Khosa, Barrister Ali Zafar and Barrister Gohar had nothing to do with case, but often utilized the court time for meetings and political discussion.

Last but not the least, Imran used the hearings for political discussion and engaged in media talks while giving misleading statements which also ensured media coverage.