Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan on Saturday admitted investing Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust (SKMT) funds in a private housing project, Express News reported.
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 through a video link and asked the PTI chief questions about the investment in a private housing project with SKMT funds.
Imran Khan admitted investing the funds in the project, saying that the SKMT board had told him about the investment. However, he said he cannot remember the name of the project now.
Read more: Court again fines Imran in Khawaja Asif defamation case
The lawyer asked whether he was informed by the board in writing. Imran Khan responded by saying that he cannot remember it whether it was conveyed verbally or in writing.
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 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.
