By Asim Shehzad
LAHORE: Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan described the £190 million case as an “open-and-shut case,” stating that the crime was evident and the punishment was inevitable.
He explained that the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) had halted a controversial transaction and recognized Pakistan’s right over the funds. However, at that time, the government sent its adviser, Shehzad Akbar, to the UK, where he held meetings. Consequently, the amount, which should have been deposited into the state’s account, never reached there.
During the press conference, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan further stated that while it was legally justifiable for the government to claim the money—since a state has the right over disputed funds—the real issue lay in the misappropriation of those funds.
Declaring the Al-Qadir Trust case as one of the biggest crimes in the country’s history, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan revealed that land was gifted to the trust, which was a glaring example of misconduct. He highlighted that money was siphoned off in this project, leading to corruption within the government.
He asserted that the cabinet was used to facilitate the return of funds, and in return, extravagant gifts were received, including land for the Al-Qadir Trust.
Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan clarified that establishing a university is not a crime. However, accepting personal gifts and selling parts of the donated land raises serious legal and ethical concerns.
Expressing a firm stance on the May 9 incidents, he condemned the violent attacks, stating that a mob set a mosque on fire, stormed military cantonments, and torched official records at the Mianwali Criminal Court.
He further added that the mob desecrated military uniforms and medals. He questioned whether setting someone’s house on fire could be justified as a political right and emphasized that attacking the armed forces cannot be considered a part of politics.
He further pointed out that the attacks on the routes in Rawalpindi and Lahore were well-planned, and their so-called “oppressed” leaders were actually involved in these crimes. Stressing the need to separate state affairs from politics, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan insisted that judicial decisions should not impact political negotiations and that a clear distinction must be made between politics and crime.
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Rejecting any speculation about political deals, he categorically stated, “I have never facilitated any deal. If anyone has a request or evidence, they should bring it forward.”
Commenting on the no-confidence motion, he remarked that when party members fear being humiliated by their own constituents, it reflects their true political failure.
Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan urged politicians to focus on national progress instead of personal interests. He emphasized that all political parties should strengthen democratic traditions rather than targeting state institutions.
