SC asks 14 questions from Imran on Bani Gala land purchase, offshore firm
May 25, 2017
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Thursday sought answers of as many as 14 questions from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan pertaining to the purchase of land for his Bani Gala residence and an offshore firm owned by him.
A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, conducted hearing of a petition filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hanif Abbasi regarding foreign funding of the PTI.
The apex court asked 14 questions from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan. The first question asked by the court was about the purchase of land for the PTI chief's Bani Gala residence before transfer of amount for this purpose from London.
The SC inquired when and where from money was transferred in the bank account of Imran Khan's friend, Rashid Khan. If Rashid himself did not give the money, then who gave it?
There were two depositions made in Rashid Khan's account with Jemima as depositor; where from came the rest of the amount?
How was 95-kanal land in Bani Gala transferred to Jemima after separation (from Imran Khan) and why was she mentioned in documents as the wife of the PTI chairman, the apex court questioned.
According to the cheque certificate, the court stated, the loan was returned to Jemima by Niazi Services Company, inquiring, "How can the company be meaningless then?"
"Jemima sent first installment from London in July 2002, had 135-kanal land been purchased before that," the SC inquired, further questioning, "How did Rashid Khan pay Imran Khan the additional amount sent by Jemima from London?"
What should the court view it as if the amount sent by Jemima does not correspond with records, the SC bench asked. How and why was the offshore company established?
The bench further inquired as to how could a company worth nine pounds have an asset worth of 117,000 pounds.
Was it necessary to show Niazi Services Company as per Pakistani laws, it questioned, inquiring further if it was necessary to declare offshore assets in 2002, then why were they not declared in nomination papers?
The apex court further said the London flat (owned by the PTI chief) was sold out in 2003, questioning how was its rent received until 2004.
Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, while speaking to the counsel of the PTI chairman, remarked that he would have understood the questions and directed him to present a detailed reply by Tuesday.
At this, Imran's counsel Naeem Bukhari said all the questions asked by the court would be answered.
The SC further sought details of all pending cases pertaining to PTI funding from the Election Commission of Pakistan.
It also sought copy of an order by the Islamabad High Court in this regard.
