Asif accuses Imran Khan of stealing from Shaukat Khanum Hospital

In Pakistan, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has repeated allegations of financial wrongdoing against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, coinciding with the expected verdict in the Al-Qadir Trust case, which involves a £190 million legal dispute. Speaking at a press conference in London on December 22, 2024, Asif highlighted widespread corruption during the PTI's time in power, stating that Imran Khan and his associates collectively embezzled trillions of rupees. Asif criticized Khan's leadership, suggesting that he violated Pakistan's national interests in pursuit of personal gain. The allegations center on the supposed misappropriation of funds from the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital, where Asif contended that Khan had redirected charitable donations for his ventures. He detailed instances where Khan reportedly invested heavily in two overseas businesses to the detriment of the hospital's finances, asserting that these financial decisions compromised funds originally intended for charitable purposes. In addition to the claims regarding the hospital, the Defence Minister discussed the controversial dealings with Malik Riaz, a prominent real estate developer. He stated that Khan facilitated a significant financial benefit to Riaz, obtaining personal land in return. Acknowledging this situation, Asif asserted that the received funds did not appropriately reflect the value of the land exchanged, which further underscores the opportunistic nature of the alleged corruption during Khan's administration. Defending these claims, Asif emphasized the disparity in the valuations, estimating a substantial financial gap. Asif concluded by pledging to provide more evidence to support his accusations against Khan. He expressed his commitment to public accountability, planning to compile a detailed report for presentation in parliament and upcoming press conferences. His statements, made in close conjunction with the anticipated verdict on the Al-Qadir Trust case, aim to keep public scrutiny focused on Khan's integrity and the actual outcomes of his governance. Asif's comments come amid ongoing discussions surrounding the charges filed by the National Accountability Bureau, involving Khan and several others, including his wife, in this significant financial case.