LAHORE: Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has described the £190 million case as an `open-and-shut case,` stating that as the crime was evident, the punishment was inevitable.

Speaking at a press conference here on Friday, he explained that the UK`s National Crime Agency (NCA) had halted a controversial transaction and recognised Pakistan`s right to the funds. However, at that time, the PTl government sent its adviser, Shehzad Akbar, to the UK, where he held meetings with the NCA. Consequently, the amount, which should have been deposited into the state`s account, never reached there.

He stated that while it was legally justifiable for the government to claim the money since a state has the right to disputed funds the real issue lay in the misappropriation of those funds.

Declaring the Al-Qadir Trust case as one of the biggest scams in the country`s history, Mr Khan revealed that land was gifted to the trust, which was a glaring example of misconduct.

He highlighted that the money was siphoned off in this project, leading to corruption within the government.

He asserted that the federal cabinet was used to facilitate the return of state funds to a private person, from whom the UK authorities had recovered the money, and in return extravagant gifts were received, including land for Al-Qadir Trust.

He 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.

He condemned the may 9 violent attacks, stating that a mob set a mosque on fire, stormed military cantonments, and torched official records at the Mianwali Criminal Court. He added that the mob also desecrated military uniforms and medals.

He asked whether setting someone`s house on fire could be justified as a `political right` and emphasised that attacking the armed forces cannot be considered politics.

He pointed out that the May 9 attacks 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 Khan insisted that judicial decisions should not impact political negotiations and that a clear distinction must be made between politics and crime.

Rejecting any speculation about political deals, he categorically stated, `I never facilitated any deal. If anyone has a request or evidence [of any wrongdoing], they should bring it forth.

Meanwhile, PTl MPAs staged a protest at the staircase of the old assembly building where Fridays` proceedings were held. Holding placards, they raised slogans for the PTl founder and against his conviction in the case.

Earlier, the opposition leader told a press conference, saying the PA proceedings were put off to deprive the opposition members to speak their mind on the case verdict which, he said, was the most controversial in the judicial history of the country. Staff Reporter