In a significant development, a corruption case has been registered by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) against Ibrahim Maneka, the son of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief’s wife, Bushra Bibi, along with former Punjab chief minister Usman Buzdar and six others in Lahore. The case alleges that the accused accepted bribes amounting to millions of rupees for facilitating appointments and transfers of high-ranking officials in various government departments. Farah Gogi, who allegedly collected and deposited the bribes in different banks, has been named as a key player in the case. So far, approximately Rs450 million has been recovered, as stated in the ACE’s First Information Report (FIR).
According to the FIR, the accused misused their authority to make appointments and transfers, exploiting their positions within the government to their advantage. The individuals implicated in the case include Maneka, Buzdar, Gogi, senior bureaucrat Tahir Khurshid, Ahmed Aziz Tarar, Saleha Saeed, Usman Muazzam, and Sohail Khwaja.
Earlier this week, Usman Buzdar, alongside other prominent PTI figures like Shireen Mazari and Ali Haider Zaidi, reportedly announced his resignation from the PTI and his departure from politics following the events of May 9.
During a press conference, Buzdar condemned the acts of vandalism that occurred on May 9 when protestors targeted civil and military installations. He emphasized his unwavering support for the Pakistan Army and affirmed his dedication to politics of integrity. Buzdar called upon all stakeholders to set aside their differences and work together for the betterment of the country.
Over the past month, several other PTI leaders have either renounced their positions within the party, distanced themselves from it, or withdrawn from politics entirely.
This latest graft case against Usman Buzdar and others adds to the challenges faced by the PTI, which has been grappling with internal issues and the aftermath of the May 9 unrest. As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the political landscape in Punjab and the PTI’s standing within the country.