3 former ministers including Zubaida Jalal turn to be witnesses against PTI founder

ISLAMABAD, Dec 09, 2023: The high-stakes £190 million reference case against the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has taken a significant leap forward, revealing the names of 59 witnesses crucial to the investigation.

Sources close to the matter disclosed that three federal ministers from the PTI cabinet have been named as witnesses cooperating with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). These ministers include Pervez Khattak, Nadeem Afzal Chan, and Zubaidah Jalal, each submitting a concise one-page statement. Former Principal Secretary Azam Khan, although not made an approver, has also joined the list of witnesses.

Zubaidah Jalal’s statement has been part of its inquiry report, in which she said cabinet members had recommended an investigation into the £190 million.

According to the report, Zubaidah Jalal told the NAB team that she had demanded an investigation. Zubaidah Jalal was of the opinion that 190 million pounds is an asset of Pakistan and should be returned, most of the cabinet members said that they should talk about taking back 190 million pounds.

Notably, no federal minister from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has been identified as a witness against the PTI founder.

The witnesses encompass a diverse range of individuals, including NAB officials, representatives from banks, officers from the Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), and even a Patwari. Additionally, the list includes the Secretary of the Asset Recovery Unit and Superintendent of the Prime Minister’s Office, Nadeem Butt.

The Executive Director of Al-Qadir Trust and the Chief Financial Officer have also become NAB witnesses, highlighting the extensive scope of the investigation.

It is worth noting that the inclusion of high-ranking officials and cabinet members as witnesses signifies the gravity of the case and the depth of the ongoing investigation. The emergence of these names provides insight into the collaborative efforts between various government entities in pursuing justice and transparency.

The £190 million reference has been a focal point of discussions, with stakeholders keenly observing the developments. As the case progresses, the role of each witness is anticipated to shed light on the intricacies surrounding the alleged financial irregularities linked to PTI’s founder.

The legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming weeks, and the revelations from these witnesses could play a crucial role in determining the course of the case. The nation awaits further details and clarifications as the investigation unfolds, shaping the narrative around one of the most significant financial references in Pakistan’s recent political history.