Imran Khan admits the board invested money from Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust’s funds in a private housing project

ISLAMABAD, Jan 21 (SABAH): In a hearing of Rs10 billion damages case against Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan admitted that the board invested the money from the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust (SKMT) funds in a private housing project.

The revelation came during a hearing of Rs10 billion defamation case filed against Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. Imran Khan appeared in the court from his residence in Lahore’s Zaman Park via video link.

The case was heard by Additional Sessions Judge Umeed Ali Baloch. Asif and Imran’s lawyers were also present during the hearing.

Asif’s lawyer Barrister Haider Rasul cross-examined Imran Khan through a video link and asked the PTI chief questions about the investment in a private housing project with SKMT funds.

Barrister Haider Rasool questioned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chief Imran Khan over investment in a construction project. The PTI supremo said the board of Shaukat Khanum informed him about spending money from the hospital’s funds but he did not remember the name of the housing project.

The deposed prime minister said that the $3 million were deposited back by the board members and the matter had closed. To which, Asif’s lawyer said that the matter did not end there but rather it was only getting started.

“When the amount was invested the dollar rate was Rs60 and when the amount was returned, the rate had reached Rs120,” he contended.

Imran Khan said that if the lawyer came straight to the point rather than asking ‘useless questions’ then the matter can be resolved quickly. Khawaja Asif’s lawyer said he can complete the cross-examination in just two hours during the next hearing.

The former prime minister said that he will inform about his availability for the next hearing after looking at his schedule. Later, the court adjourned the case till further hearing.

Imran Khan also told Khawaja Asif’s lawyer that he should not try to complicate the whole proceedings and if the case was handled truthfully, the matter could be resolved early.