PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has refuted claims that PTI Founder Imran Khan transferred 190 million pounds to real estate tycoon Malik Riaz, adding the amount was never Pakistan’s taxpayer money.
Speaking during Samaa TV's talk show 'Nadeem Malik Live', Raja asserted, "This money was never Pakistan’s taxpayer money, and there was no British ruling claiming otherwise."
He clarified that the amount resulted from an arrangement involving Malik Riaz's family and was brought to Pakistan at their behest, adding: "I don't know why the decision of the 190 million pound case was not announced."
The program featured a fiery debate on critical issues, including the 190 million pound case, alleged political pressures, and ongoing negotiations between the government and the PTI. Besides Raja, the show also featured PML-N's Talal Chaudhry and PTI's Aun Abbas Bappi.
Also Read: £190mln case: Verdict against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi postponed for third time
Raja also alleged that British authorities advised keeping the matter confidential and stated that the federal cabinet, during the PTI's tenure, decided not to publicise the agreement. Dismissing allegations of personal benefit, he said, "The PTI founder and Bushra Bibi did not gain a single rupee from this money."
Addressing the ongoing peace negotiations, Raja reiterated the PTI’s stance on written demands to the government on January 16. These demands include:
- Establishing a judicial commission to investigate the incidents of May 9, 2023 and November 26, 2024.
- Granting bail to the PTI founder and other political prisoners.
"If the judicial commission demand is not accepted, this will be the final negotiation session," warned Raja. "We are not asking for any NRO or executive order."
Talal Chaudhry’s counterclaims
PML-N leader Talal Chaudhry countered the PTI’s claims, alleging that the Al-Qadir Trust case (190 million pounds) was given an "Islamic touch" by party leaders. "The land for Al-Qadir Trust belongs to Malik Riaz," he remarked. He dismissed accusations of government deals or concessions, stating, "There is no deal or leniency linked to the negotiations or the 190 million pound case."
Also Read: PTI rejects 'deal' allegations over delay in £190 million case verdict
Chaudhry also claimed that Saudi Arabia, China, and Turkey were dissatisfied with the PTI's leadership. He remarked, "The UAE president probably doesn't even remember that the PTI founder is in jail," he responded to his fellow panellist on the show, Aun Abbas Bappi's, claims that the visiting dignitary asked the government to end all cases against Imran Khan.
"The PTI often exaggerates issues that don’t exist. Even Gulf countries were unhappy with their behaviour."
Aun Abbas Bappi’s allegations
PTI Senator Aun Abbas Bappi made bold revelations, alleging that international pressure, including from UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, influenced the government regarding Imran Khan's cases. He claimed the UAE leader advised Pakistan’s government to halt "false cases" against the PTI founder during his visit.
“The government is under pressure from the international establishment. They know the wind is changing, and their actions are being scrutinized,” said Bappi.
Also Read: Third round of govt-opp talks on Jan 16: PTI to present demands
He also criticized delays in legal proceedings against the PTI founder and hinted at external influences behind judicial decisions. "They will pronounce the sentence that will be handed over to them," he alleged, adding that even if Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi appear in court on Jan 17, it is doubtful that the verdict in the 190 million pounds case will be announced.
