In a significant development, Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has decided to send a team from its Rawalpindi bureau to arrest Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, in connection with the £190 million reference. The decision was reported by Geo News, citing The News.

The accountability watchdog has instructed its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter to cooperate fully with the Rawalpindi team in executing the arrest. Assistance from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police will also be sought to ensure the operation’s success.

On November 22, an accountability court issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Bushra Bibi after her failure to appear in court for eight consecutive hearings. Judge Nasir Javed Rana rejected her request for exemption and issued a show-cause notice to her bail guarantor.

During the same court session, Imran Khan, currently incarcerated at Adiala Prison, was presented before the court. However, NAB officials raised objections over a medical report submitted by Bushra Bibi’s counsel, citing discrepancies in its issuance and notarisation. The report was issued in Peshawar but attested in Islamabad.

Further complicating the case, both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi have not yet submitted statements under Section 342 of the CrPC, 1898, despite being provided with a detailed 79-point questionnaire during an earlier hearing.

The charges against Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and others relate to a settlement during the PTI government’s tenure with a property tycoon. The agreement reportedly caused a £190 million loss to Pakistan’s national exchequer.

The case stems from assets seized by the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) in 2019, valued at £190 million. These assets were part of a settlement between the Pakistani government and the property tycoon. The NCA described the settlement as a civil matter, with no admission of guilt.

It is alleged that Imran Khan's cabinet approved the settlement without disclosing the details of the agreement. The funds were later deposited with the Supreme Court on behalf of the tycoon.

Bushra Bibi, as a trustee of the Al-Qadir Trust, is accused of receiving undue benefits, including 458 kanals of land in Mouza Bakrala, Sohawa, for the establishment of Al-Qadir University. The trust was formed shortly after the PTI government approved the settlement.

She had previously been granted bail in October after spending nine months in custody in connection with the Toshakhana case. However, her involvement in the Al-Qadir Trust case has now brought her back under NAB scrutiny.

The case against the former first couple continues to unfold, highlighting allegations of misuse of authority and questionable financial decisions during Imran Khan's tenure as Prime Minister.