Shahzad Akbar, the former Adviser to the Prime Minister on Accountability, has been identified as a key figure in the £190 million corruption case involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan, according to a report citing official sources.
Investigators allege that Akbar “masterminded” an unlawful scheme that resulted in significant financial loss to Pakistan.
On 6 November 2019, he signed a confidentiality agreement under which £190 million were transferred from a specific account to one purportedly designated by the Supreme Court.
Misrepresentation of Account and Secret UK Visits
According to the investigation, the account was falsely represented as belonging to the State Bank of Pakistan, when in fact it was registered in the name of the Supreme Court Registrar.
“Shahzad Akbar made visits to the UK between 4–8 February and 22–26 May 2019, during which he met with the British Home Secretary and the Director General of the National Crime Agency (NCA),” the sources claimed.
During these visits, Akbar allegedly devised a “secret roadmap” with NCA officials for the return of the funds, without informing Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), or the State Bank.
“Due to his mala fide intentions, the £190 million were used to benefit individuals rather than the state,” the sources said.
Deal Executed with Farah Gogi
Sources further stated that Shahzad Akbar and Farah Gogi jointly carried out the fund transfer deal. Although the agreement was signed by Akbar on 6 November 2019, the federal cabinet was only informed nearly a month later, on 3 December 2019.
Investigators have confirmed that Akbar played a central role in concealing the corrupt proceeds. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and other agencies continue to investigate, with legal proceedings currently underway.
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Already Sentenced
It is important to note that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have already been convicted in the same case, widely referred to as the Al-Qadir Trust or £190 million case.
In January 2024, the Rawalpindi Accountability Court, presided over by Judge Nasir Javed Rana, sentenced Imran Khan to 14 years and Bushra Bibi to seven years in prison.
The court also imposed fines of Rs 1 million on Khan and Rs 500,000 on Bushra Bibi.
In addition, Al-Qadir University, established under the trust, was ordered to be taken into government custody.
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