Islamabad, Pakistan — The Islamabad High Court imposed a fine of Rs100,000 on the National Accountability Bureau on March 11, 2026, for employing delaying tactics in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust corruption case against former prime minister Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif took the step during the hearing of appeals and suspension pleas filed by the couple. The court expressed frustration over NAB’s preliminary jurisdictional objection and the absence of its special prosecutor, who was reportedly busy with religious rituals. The bench directed the anti-graft body to come prepared on the next date and adjourned the matter, highlighting the need for timely justice in high-profile cases.
190 ملین پاؤنڈ کیس کی سماعت۔۔۔
اسپیشل پراسیکیوٹر نیب پر ایک لاکھ روپے جرمانہ عائد pic.twitter.com/Be14j93chQ— Geo News Urdu (@geonews_urdu) March 11, 2026
Key Highlights
- IHC bench fines NAB Rs100,000 for “delaying tactics” in Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s £190m graft case appeals.
- Court hearing pleas for suspension of sentences and appeals against convictions in Al-Qadir Trust case.
- NAB raised jurisdictional objection claiming appeals not yet formally admitted for regular hearing.
- Defence lawyers, including Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan and Barrister Salman Safdar, raised concerns over access to client and slow pace of proceedings.
- Bench noted Supreme Court already seized of Imran Khan’s health issues; next hearing date to be fixed soon.
The hearing saw sharp exchanges between the defence and prosecution. Imran Khan’s counsel, Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, detailed difficulties in obtaining a power of attorney due to restricted access to his client for four months, calling it a violation of fundamental rights. He urged the court to take action against the Adiala jail administration. Barrister Salman Safdar echoed these concerns, pointing out that the appeals had been pending for 14 months and drawing a parallel with a previous relief granted by the same chief justice in another case involving health issues.
190 ملین پاؤنڈ کیس ۔۔ نیب کی جانب سے کیس میں بار بار التوا مانگنے پر اسلام آباد ہائیکورٹ نے نیب پر ایک لاکھ روہے جرمانہ عائد کر دیا ۔۔۔
— Exact Press International (@ExactPressIntl) March 11, 2026
NAB’s prosecutor attempted to argue that the plea for suspension of sentence was premature. However, the court grew visibly annoyed when informed that the special prosecutor was unavailable due to religious rituals. Chief Justice Dogar reminded the parties that the matter was already under consideration by the Supreme Court in relation to Imran Khan’s health.
Defence lawyers pressed for an early decision before the upcoming Eid holidays. The bench issued notice on NAB’s application and directed the bureau to be ready for the next hearing. The case stems from an accountability court’s January 2025 conviction of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust reference.
Pakistan’s judiciary continues to demonstrate its independence and commitment to fair and expeditious justice. The court’s firm action against perceived delays sends a clear message that procedural hurdles will not be allowed to obstruct the legal process. Both the defence and prosecution are expected to present their full arguments in the coming hearings, ensuring that the matter is resolved in accordance with the law and the principles of justice. The nation watches these proceedings with the expectation that truth and accountability will prevail.
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