Khawaja Asif criticises PTI leadership over £190 million scandal

SIALKOT: Pakistan’s former defence minister and senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Asif has criticised the PTI leadership in connection with the £190 million corruption case, calling it the people’s money that was misappropriated during their tenure.

Addressing a press conference in Sialkot, Khawaja Asif stated that the scandal took place during the period when the Supreme Court was handling various cases related to the government, highlighting that these issues arose during Imran Khan’s time in power. He further criticised the judiciary’s handling of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s case, mentioning that Nawaz Sharif was only sentenced based on his work permit (Iqama) and not for any substantial evidence of corruption.

On the controversial Al-Qadir University, Asif described it as “no real university,” pointing out that no application had ever been submitted to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for recognition. He also alleged that Imran Khan and his wife were the trustees of the 450-acre land associated with the university.

Asif continued by accusing Farah Gogi, a close associate of the PTI leadership, of fleeing the country after allegedly embezzling large sums of money. He also claimed that despite four years having passed since the establishment of Al-Qadir University, it only had 300 to 400 students enrolled.

Addressing allegations about the investment of Hassan Nawaz, the son of Nawaz Sharif, Asif stated that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had cleared Hassan Nawaz, calling it an attempt to smear the family with baseless accusations.