Imran named prime accused in funding case

ISLAMABAD:

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has finalized its charge sheet in the foreign funding case and has designated former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan as the prime accused. The agency is expected to submit the charge sheet in court today (Wednesday).

According to sources, the charge sheet comprises 57 pages and names a total of 11 accused, with Imran Khan named as the principal accused. The document also includes individuals such as Tariq Shafi and Hamid Zaman. Three suspects have been declared proclaimed offenders, including Arif Naqvi and Tariq Rahim Sheikh.

The FIA's charge sheet states that approximately 1,800 transactions were made into PTI's accounts from various countries around the world. These funds were reportedly received under the title "Naya Pakistan".

Sources further revealed that the accused are facing allegations of receiving illegal funding amounting to $2.1 million. It is also alleged that the PTI received an additional $2.1 million from a company named "Wootton Cricket Limited".

According to the FIA, records submitted by the PTI to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) identified Arif Naqvi as the owner of Wootton Cricket Limited, with the company reportedly registered in the Cayman Islands. However, the charge sheet claims that the company is fictitious and was not found to be registered anywhere.

Sources added that a special court had directed the FIA to submit the charge sheet and in compliance with these instructions, it is expected to be presented shortly.

Meanwhile, proceedings in

the case continued at a banking court in Islamabad, where the

hearing was conducted by Special Court Judge Abdul Ghafoor Kakar. During the hearing, Special Prosecutor Wasiq Malik and the investigation officer appeared before the court.

Judge Abdul Ghafoor Kakar inquired about the status of the charge sheet. Prosecutor Wasiq Malik informed the court that the document had been fully prepared and would be submitted to the registrar either later in the day or by tomorrow.

Subsequently, the court adjourned the main case hearing until April 21 and extended the interim bail of accused Siraj Ahmed and Faisal Qazi until the same date. Arguments on Faisal Qazi's bail plea could not be presented due to his absence during the hearing.

Prosecutor Wasiq Malik questioned how the accused could travel abroad without informing the court. Defence counsel responded that Faisal Qazi heads a private bank in Dubai and travels to Pakistan for each hearing.

In response, Judge Kakar

remarked that if the accused fails to appear at the next hearing, the court will take up the matter

accordingly. The FIA has already registered a case against the

PTI founder and others under charges of money laundering and related offences.