ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal on Sunday criticized former Prime Minister Imran Khan in light of his proven corruption by his supporters, especially the £190 million embezzlement. strongly condemned his defense regarding the case of
In a statement, Iqbal described the efforts of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters to save their leader as “sad and shameful”.
He emphasized that Khan has built his entire political career on promises of transparency and accountability, often focusing on attacking the corruption of political rivals. However, Iqbal pointed out that despite clear evidence of Khan’s involvement in corruption, his followers continue to defend him.
“The duplicity and hypocrisy of the PTI is exposed as it defends a leader who, instead of confronting a serious breach of trust, uses a religious or anti-establishment narrative to deflect criticism,” Iqbal said. takes support,” said Iqbal. He highlighted key details of the case, including that the UK’s National Crime Agency had returned 190 million pounds to Pakistan, which was to be deposited in the national exchequer for the benefit of the public. Instead, they claimed, Khan transferred the funds to benefit property tycoon Malik Riaz.
Iqbal noted that these amounts were deposited in the Supreme Court account for the purpose of fine imposed on Malik Riaz. In return for this transfer, they claimed, Khan received personal benefits. He asserted that even if these benefits are ignored, diversion of state funds for personal purposes is an unpardonable offence.
He referred to a more detailed report. Financial Times Published in July 2022, it accused Khan of using charity funds for his political campaigns. Despite the serious allegations, Iqbal said, Khan had not initiated any legal action against the newspaper, calling it a sign of his inability to refute the claims.
According to Iqbal, the £190 million scandal represents not only financial corruption but also a profound betrayal of public trust. He said that the leader who called himself a champion in the fight against corruption was found involved in a mega corruption scandal.
The minister criticized the hypocrisy of the PTI and its supporters for defending Khan’s actions, warning that it was against the principles of accountability he once advocated. He concluded by emphasizing the dangers of blind loyalty and unchecked power, adding that such behavior undermines the values of transparency and integrity.
