In a noteworthy development in the £190 million reference case against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), 59 witnesses have been added to the reference, revealing a substantial breakthrough. The reference alleges financial irregularities and improprieties against the founding members of PTI.
According to reports, only three federal ministers from the PTI cabinet have been named as witnesses in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) case. These ministers include Pervez Khattak, Nadeem Afzal Chan, and Zubeida Jalal. Their statements are collectively documented on a single page.
Former Principal Secretary Azam Khan, who currently serves as a witness, was not granted an exemption. The list of witnesses encompasses officials from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the banking sector, and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). Additionally, officers from the Asset Recovery Unit’s secretary have been included in the list. Superintendent Prime Minister’s Office Nadim Butt also stands as a witness. Furthermore, executive directors and chief financial officers of Al-Qadir Trust have been named as witnesses.
The inclusion of the Secretary of Asset Recovery Unit in the list of witnesses indicates the comprehensive nature of the individuals summoned for their testimony. Superintendent Prime Minister’s Office Nadim Butt’s participation adds another layer of significance to the case.
Notably, none of the federal ministers associated with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) were named as witnesses against the PTI. This revelation suggests a strategic move in the selection of witnesses and emphasizes the impartiality of the reference case.
The comprehensive list further includes the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of Al-Qadir Trust, broadening the scope of individuals testifying in the case. This move demonstrates the thoroughness of the investigation and the authorities’ commitment to a transparent and fair legal process.
The £190 million reference case has implications for the political landscape in Pakistan, and the inclusion of witnesses from various government institutions indicates a rigorous effort to establish the veracity of the allegations against PTI’s founding members.
As the case unfolds, it is anticipated that the testimonies of these witnesses will play a crucial role in determining the outcome and shedding light on the financial dealings under scrutiny.
