Islamabad High Court fines NAB Rs. 1 lac for delaying tactic in EX PM Imran Khan in the £190 million Al‑Qadir Trust corruption case, delivering a strong judicial rebuke to Pakistan’s premier anti‑graft body over procedural delays that have frustrated the former prime minister’s defence and his appeal process.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) took an unprecedented step on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, when a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif imposed a fine of Rs. 100,000 (equivalent to Rs. 1 lac) on the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for adopting what the court described as “delaying tactics” in the ongoing legal proceedings.
This legal development marks a significant escalation in the Al‑Qadir Trust case involving former prime minister Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, as they continue their legal battle to overturn convictions and seek suspension of sentences arising from what they deem politically motivated allegations.
What Led to the Fine?
During the recent hearing, NAB’s legal team raised preliminary objections arguing that Imran Khan’s and Bushra Bibi’s petitions filed under Section 426 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) were premature as they had not yet been “formally admitted” for regular hearing before the High Court.
The bench, however, was unconvinced by NAB’s stance and admonished the bureau for what it perceived as tactics aimed at delaying judicial proceedings rather than engaging substantively with the defence’s arguments. The court’s order stated that such behaviour impeded the swift dispensation of justice and wasted valuable court time.
In a stern tone often reserved for matters affecting public confidence in the legal system, the court emphasised the importance of timely hearings, especially in high‑profile cases that have captured both national and international attention.
The Broader Legal Context
The fine comes against the backdrop of lengthy delays in hearings related to the £190 million (approximately $240m) graft allegations known as the Al‑Qadir Trust case. The original trial resulted in convictions for both Imran Khan and his wife, leading to prison sentences of 14 and 7 years respectively. They challenged these convictions in the Islamabad High Court last year.
Their appeals and requests for suspension of sentences have since encountered repeated procedural hurdles and postponements, causing frustration among defence counsel and political observers alike.
Imran Khan’s legal team, led by senior counsel including Barrister Salman Safdar and Aitzaz Ahsan, has repeatedly petitioned the court to “fast‑track” hearings, arguing that undue delays violate fundamental principles of a fair and expeditious trial.
Implications for Pakistan’s Judicial Process
Islamabad High Court fining NAB Rs. 1 lac for delaying tactic in EX PM Imran Khan’s case sends a powerful message to law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies across Pakistan: the judiciary will not tolerate procedural obfuscation that hinders timely justice.
Legal experts say this decision could set a precedent encouraging the court to take tougher stances when statutory authorities employ tactics that delay proceedings. The ruling reasserts the court’s autonomy and its commitment to overseeing procedural fairness, especially where constitutional rights and fundamental liberties are involved.
Critics of the anti‑graft body have often accused it of politicised action and tactical manoeuvring that disproportionately affect political opponents. Whether this fine will lead to more disciplined case‑management by NAB remains to be seen, but it undeniably reflects growing judicial frustration with repeated adjournments.
Reaction from Legal Circles
Lawyers who have observed the case closely say the court’s action could prompt reforms in how appeals and petitions are processed, particularly in high‑stakes corruption cases. Some feel that this fine, while modest in monetary terms, carries significant symbolic weight, signalling a demand for accountability not only from individuals but from institutions too.
Others argue that such measures are necessary to uphold the rule of law and bolster public confidence in Pakistan’s legal framework, which has at times been criticised for sluggishness. The court’s decision, therefore, may also be viewed as an attempt to strengthen judicial credibility and ensure procedural diligence from all parties.
What Happens Next?
Following the fine, the High Court adjourned the hearing and issued notice to NAB on its miscellaneous application, asking the bureau to present its arguments more substantively at the next date of hearing.
Meanwhile, the appeals process in the Al‑Qadir Trust case and related legal petitions by Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi continues to unfold amid heightened public interest and ongoing political ramifications for Pakistan’s future.
