Al-Qadir case enigma

The third postponement of the £190m Al-Qadir Trust case sparks debate and conspiracy theories.

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The third-time postponement of the verdict in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case has stirred a debate and a conspiracy theory, alike. Former PM Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi have been under the legal scanner for long, and the trajectory of the proceedings hint at some skeletons in the cupboard. While this case is the last in the list of litigations against the former PM, and its decision sits on the eve of talks underway between the government and the PTI, there is a feeling of a quid pro quo in the works.

While the opposition and the beleaguered coalition are quick to deny such an impression, it goes without saying that mounting internal and external pressure to set the PTI chief free and the need to harness a path of political reconciliation are indispensable hallmarks, and there is a possibility that some middle ground might be found to the satisfaction of either sides.

The plot thickens for such a narrative as the reason cited for deferring the verdict to January 17 is that the "accused failed to appear before the court at the Adiala Jail". This 'excuse' is untenable, given that Nawaz Sharif, Pervez Musharraf and Khan himself (in one case) have been sentenced in absentia which makes for enough of a legal precedent. Moreover, Imran Khan has been under detention for the last 527 days, housed in the same premises in judicial custody. Thus, his 'absence' proposition is not valid enough to save the skin of prosecution.

The tribulation of this case - wherein it is alleged that Khan and Bushra obtained billions of rupees and land worth hundreds of kanals from a real estate company for legalising Rs50 billion that was identified and returned to the country by the UK - has many facets that have not been put up for a fair trial. That also includes the exoneration from trial to many other accused in the 'shady' deal.

Last but not least that the money repatriated from Britain sits in an official account makes the case raise many eyebrows. It's time to realise that a plethora of litigations against Khan have not stood the ground. It would be wise enough to opt for a political solution, rather than digging heels into the quagmire of legal contests.