Imran Khan, the former prime minister, and Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has reportedly been placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) in connection with the £190 million settlement case. The case involves the transfer of multi-million pounds from the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and implicates Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, as well.
Following his arrest earlier this month by the Rangers in relation to the same case, which led to nationwide protests, Khan’s name has now been added to the no-fly list based on a recommendation from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Rawalpindi. The federal cabinet’s approval of a circular summary paved the way for this decision.
Additionally, the authorities have decided to include Bushra Bibi’s name on the ECL, and the NAB will formally request the Interior Ministry to implement this measure. Previously, both Khan and Bushra Bibi, along with more than 600 PTI leaders and former assembly members, were placed on the no-fly list by the Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) due to their alleged involvement in the violent incidents that occurred on May 9.
Despite being restricted from leaving the country, Khan expressed his gratitude to the government for their actions and stated that he has no immediate plans to travel abroad. He clarified that he neither possesses properties nor maintains any businesses or bank accounts outside of Pakistan. However, if given the opportunity, Khan mentioned his inclination to spend a holiday in the country’s picturesque northern mountains, which he considers his favorite place on earth.
The £190 million settlement case revolves around allegations of corruption involving a property tycoon. Khan, along with his wife and other PTI leaders, is under investigation by the NAB for their role in a settlement agreement that reportedly caused a loss of £190 million to the national exchequer. It is alleged that they benefited unlawfully by receiving over 458 kanals of land to establish Al Qadir University.
During the PTI government’s tenure, the NCA seized assets worth £190 million from a property tycoon in the UK. The assets were intended to be transferred to the government of Pakistan as part of the settlement agreement, which was approved by the cabinet without disclosing its details. Subsequently, the Al-Qadir Trust was established, with Khan, Bushra Bibi, and Farah Khan serving as trustees.
NAB officials were initially investigating the alleged misuse of power in the recovery process of illicit funds from the UK crime agency. As compelling evidence emerged, the inquiry was upgraded to a full-scale investigation. It is alleged that Khan and his wife acquired land worth billions of rupees from the property tycoon in exchange for providing legal cover to the black money received from the UK crime agency.
The developments surrounding Imran Khan’s placement on the ECL underscore the gravity of the £190 million settlement case and its implications for the former prime minister. As the investigation continues, the nation awaits further updates on this high-profile legal matter.