Bail Granted to PTI Founder Does Not Equate to Acquittal: Tarar

Islamabad: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said that bail granted to the PTI founder chairman does not equate to acquittal. In a video statement today, he emphasized that the trial against the PTI founder chairman is still ongoing. He said the entire nation witnessed his involvement in orchestrating the events of May 9, which aimed to destabilize the system, damage the economy, and harm the country.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister further asserted that the PTI founder is convicted in the 190 million pounds mega corruption case, one of the most significant scandals in the country’s history. He highlighted that the PTI founder was sentenced to 14 years in prison following a transparent trial based on substantial evidence. He added that the accused failed to justify in court why billions of rupees were transferred to Malik Riaz or under what legal grounds.

Attaullah Tarar said PTI resorted to invoking the narrative of the “State of Medina” instead of presenting credible evidence. He criticized the party for using religious symbolism and the “Islamic touch” as a diversion from accountability.

He underscored that billions of rupees, which should have been received by the Government of Pakistan, were instead paid as fines. He questioned why the PTI founder and his spouse established the controversial Al-Qadir University Trust if their conduct was above board.

The Minister pointed out that the PTI-led former government secured cabinet approval through a sealed envelope. He noted that ministers who raised concerns about the envelope at the time were deliberately ignored. This sealed approval facilitated the misappropriation of 190 million pounds.

Attaullah Tarar expressed hope that other pending cases, particularly those related to the May 9 riots, during which military installations were attacked and martyrs’ memorials desecrated, as well as the Toshakhana II case will be decided at the earliest.