Aleema Khanum refutes allegations of acquiring wealth illegally

PM Imran's sister says she earned her wealth through 'sewing machine business'

LAHORE: Prime Minister Imran Khan's sister Aleema Khanum on Monday refuted allegations against her for acquiring foreign assets through Shaukat Khanum's charity fund and other illegal means, Express News reported.

In her reply to the court, Khanum claimed that rumours were being spread against her over foreign holdings. She clarified that Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre was formed in memory of her late mother.

Khanum added that an international firm conducts an audit of the funds given to the hospital.



"I dedicated my life to charity work and it has no bearing on my foreign holdings whatsoever. I acquired this property through my income and husband's assets," she said.

Khanum further told the court that she had been into a textile business for the past 20 years and has international buyers. "My annual export orders stand at nearly Rs2 billion, which also contribute to the country's economy," she added.

In addition, Khanum said that she paid for her Dubai and New Jersey properties through registered banking procedures and remains a taxpayer.



Speaking to reporters outside the Supreme Court later, Aleema said she earned her wealth through 'sewing machine business', which she maintained was a very profitable business generating massive revenue for the country.

“I am working for the last 20 years and everything is on record … check my wealth statement, I have declared all my properties including the one in the United States,” she was quoted by Express News as saying.

The premier’s sister lamented that her source of income was being mocked. However, in reality many women in Pakistan were earning their living through sewing machines, she added.

On January 11, Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Marriyum Aurangzeb accused Khanum of using Shaukat Khanum Hospital's funds. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry retorted to Aurangzeb's claim and said that Khanum had never assumed public office and had declared all her properties.

In December, the Supreme Court ordered Khanum to pay tax liabilities worth Rs29.4 million as determined by the Federal Board of Revenue.